HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — A drug dealer was murdered because he owed money to other drug dealers, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office said.
The murder was uncovered during a seven-month multi-state investigation that busted a meth ring, the sheriff's office said. Five people were arrested Thursday in Highlands County, including Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27.
In a press release, deputies called Molina "the local kingpin of the organization."
Jonathan Diaz, 22, was bludgeoned to death in Molina's garage because he owed several thousand dollars to the drug ring, officials said.
Diaz was reported missing by his family on Dec. 22. The last place he was seen was Molina's home, according to deputies.
Diaz's body was found in the backyard of a Sebring home on Thursday.
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said his office is reviewing evidence with prosecutors, and charges are expected to be filed soon.
What other people are reading right now:
- 'It's not fair': Slain USC student planned to go to law school, friend says
- Scary video shows 2 boats crash at Gulfport Grand Prix
- Woman missing since Monday found dead on Florida's east coast
- Teal vehicle wanted in deadly motorcycle crash
- Group of 3,000 chickens ‘gang up’ to kill intruding fox on French farm
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.