Miya Marcano, the college student whose body was discovered days after she went missing, died by “homicide of undetermined means,” an autopsy reveals.
Marcano disappeared on Sept. 24 and was last seen at the Arden Villas apartment complex where she reportedly lived and worked. She was found days later in a wooded area near the old home of Armando Caballero, a maintenance worker in her building.
According to an autopsy report by Orlando’s District Nine Medical Examiner’s Office, the Valencia College student was found with black duct tape on her neck and around her ankles and her hands tied behind her back. The results of the post-mortem examination further revealed she was “nearly skeletonized.” As her body was in an advanced state of decomposition, the lack of residual soft tissue prevented Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany from detecting more specific injuries. Investigators ultimately believe she faced “some type of assault” at the hands of suspected killer Caballero, the prime suspect in the case.
According to investigators, Cabellero reportedly had access to a master key that could be used to enter Marcano’s apartment. After complaints about his unwanted advances against the 19-year-old were ignored, he is believed to have entered the room as she worked her shift. Suspicions increased when he died from apparent suicide following a search of his home and vehicle.
Marcano’s family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Arden Villas Apartments LLC — owner of the Arden Villas Luxury Apartments — and The Preiss Company — which runs the apartment complex.
“Arden Villas gave Armando Caballero the unfettered access he needed to kill Miya. They need to be held accountable for their negligence,” Attorney Daryl K. Washington said. They are hoping to discuss the case during a trial and are seeking more than $30,000 in damages.