A 16-year-old Florida girl was brutally stabbed to death in what authorities described as a “very violent” attack, and her ex-boyfriend, also 16, has been arrested in connection with her murder. Abbriella Elliott of Hernando County was found dead on a wooded trail near Cypress Lakes Preserve on the morning of March 27, according to WFLA. A hiker discovered her body about 50 to 100 feet from the trail entrance.
At a March 28 press conference, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis revealed that Elliott had been killed with an “edged weapon” and that the attack was exceptionally brutal. “It was nothing short of very violent,” Nienhuis said. “We could tell very quickly that there was a lot of passion and a lot of violence involved.”
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A witness told investigators that Elliott left her home around 1:30 a.m. on March 27 to meet someone—likely her killer, authorities said. Police later arrested a 16-year-old boy, who is expected to be charged as an adult with first-degree murder.
According to her obituary, “The only history for this particular individual is a battery arrest last year,” Nienhuis said of the suspect. Elliott’s parents told 10 Tampa Bay that the accused is their daughter’s ex-boyfriend and that the two had been broken up for six months. Police have not yet confirmed the nature of their relationship.
Abbriella, who had just celebrated her 16th birthday two weeks before her death, was remembered in her obituary for her “infectious smile, her kindness, and her boundless compassion.” “Abby’s spirit shone brightly, and she had an extraordinary ability to make others feel loved and cherished,” the tribute read. “Her laughter and warmth filled every room.”
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A vigil held March 30 drew mourners who shared memories of the vibrant teen. “She could put a smile on anybody’s face,” her mother, Danyel Caltagirone, said at the gathering. “Everyone who met her left an impact on.”
A GoFundMe organized by Elliott’s family to cover funeral expenses has raised over $10,500 from more than 150 donors. The case has shocked the Hernando County community, raising concerns about teen dating violence. Authorities continue to investigate as the suspect awaits formal charges.
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