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Florida Teen Accused Of Killing Little Sister

By Chelsea Hoffman
Published on: 03:22 PST, Feb 22, 2016

A 16-year-old Florida teen has been arrested and charged in association with the disappearance of his 10-year-old sister. The Daily Mail reports that Frederick Lochridge has been given an open count of murder, which can either be upgraded or downgraded depending on the outcome of the current investigation, or any proceeding trial. The details of this shocking case are still developing.

The parents of 10-year-old Isabella Heffernan reported the little girl missing over the weekend, which sparked an intense — but brief — search for her. The missing child’s body was located in a field not far behind her home. The last time she had been seen alive was approximately 16 hours prior to the heartbreaking discovery — at around 10:00 p.m., Saturday night. It wasn’t long after the discovery that 16-year-old Frederick Matthew Lochridge was considered their one and only suspect.

NBC News reports that authorities in Fountain, Florida, conducted a massive ground and air search before her body was found in the field behind her house. No details about how she may have been murdered has been released through media reports, so there are still very few details surrounding the disappearance and murder of Isabella Heffernan.

This case may be slim on available details, but social media is reacting to the details that do exist, in large numbers. Meanwhile, no mugshot or identifying details have been released about the 16-year-old Florida teen who is accused of murdering his own 10-year-old sister.

This isn’t the first time someone has reportedly killed their own sibling. In March of last year, a 17-year-old South Carolina teen reportedly killed his 14-month-old brother in a fire that he was responsible for starting. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.

why.????? This is so sad. More than my brain can comprehend. Prayers for this family.

Posted by June Jones on Monday, February 22, 2016

Maybe… this is for the best. That picture of her looks like her home life wasn’t the best…obviously it wasn’t.

Posted by ?????? ???? on Monday, February 22, 2016

Also last year, two Florida sisters (aged 15- and 11-years-old) were arrested and charged in connection with the death of their 16-year-old brother. Nicole and Ariel Kornegay admitted to killing their 16-year-old brother, admitting to premeditating the crime as well. The girls told authorities that Damien Kornegay had been “beating on them,” and that Ariel had had enough of the alleged abuse. That is when the duo started planning his demise. Although they weren’t involved in the murder of their teen son, the parents of these teens were also arrested. However, they were charged with failing to supervise their children. This case not only dominated Florida news headlines, but shocked people across the country (and on social media).

Currently no charges have been upgraded or downgraded in the arrest of the 16-year-old Florida teen in this latest case. However, authorities have stated that they will be releasing more information soon regarding the accusations against the teen — and the evidence that led to his arrest.

[Image via Bay County Sheriff’s Office]

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