Miya Marcano By. PROVIDED
The family of Miya Marcano, who has been missing since Friday have led a remarkable effort to spread the word as broadly as possible, with every moment that passes being counted as critical in her safe return.
According to details provided to the Consortium by persons leading the effort, Ms. Marcano, 19, went missing Friday, Sept. 24 at 5:00 p.m. She attends the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida, and also resides and works less than a mile away in the Arden Villas on University Boulevard where she was last seen.
Ms. Marcano finished work (in the Arden Villas Leasing Office) at 5:00 p.m. Friday and was walking to her apartment to prepare for her flight to Fort Lauderdale to be with family members. However, she never made the flight, and there were signs of a struggle in her apartment, according to information provided to the Consortium. "We are praying that she is kept safe somewhere where she is able to return back home to her loved ones," reads a statement provided to the Consortium.
Ties to the USVI and BVI
Ms. Marcano's grandmother is Letty Hodge who is originally from St. Thomas. Letty was married to Bob Hodge from Tortola. They are both well known in the VI for horse racing, according to information provided to the Consortium. Also, Miya's grandmother Letty has family in St. Croix, and Ms. Marcano visits the island often — 3-4 times yearly. She was most recently on St. Croix in June for two weeks. Ms. Marcano has participated in several pageants in the Virgin Islands.
The Caribbean has been rallying around the effort to find Ms. Marcano, and the push has been amplified in Soca music circles as she is the daughter of a popular Miami-based DJ, Marlon Marcano, also known as DJ Eternal Vibes.
A man named Armando Manuel Caballero, 27, who was named a person of interest in her disappearance by Florida's Orange County Sheriff's Office was found dead early today at an apartment complex in Seminole County. His vehicle was found on the scene and was being delivered for processing.
Ms. Marcano is still missing; her disappearance is suspicious and the Orange County Sheriff's Office said it suspects foul play.
Anyone with information on Caballero or Ms. Marcano should call OCSO at 407-836-4357 or Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
