LAKELAND, Fla. — Two men previously arrested in connection to the homicide of a missing 21-year-old Lakeland man now face murder charges, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in an update Wednesday.
Their girlfriends now are also charged in the case, as well, the sheriff announced.
Ethan Fussell was last heard from around 11:30 p.m. on May 7 at a home on Driggers Road. His body still has not been found but Judd says that based on evidence, the sheriff's office is sure Fussell was murdered.
"We need help," Judd said several times during a news conference Wednesday. To incentivize people to come forward, Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the whereabouts of suspected killer 25-year-old Talon Page's car.
"We got 'em made," Judd said during a news conference Wednesday. "We just need to find Ethan," he continued, referencing the ongoing search for Fussell's body.
Judd revealed detectives uncovered a video that he said showed Page and 21-year-old Adonai Moran-Rivera beating Fussell "violently." Judd later added that Fussell was "beaten to death."
Judd said detectives believe Fussell was killed at the Driggers Road home and his body was wrapped in carpet before being disposed of. Investigators reportedly came to that conclusion after noting a large portion of carpet was cut from the home. Fussell's blood had seeped through the carpet and stained the floor, which detectives found and cut out for analysis.
The sheriff said detectives believe Page's now-missing car was used to help get rid of the body. The silver 2000 Lexus 400 hasn't been seen since it was driven east around 4 p.m. on May 13 on Interstate 4 near Lakeland. The car has extremely dark windows and a sunroof and bears Florida tag No. CC02IL.
It's not clear if Fussell's body is still with the car but, regardless, it is an important piece of the investigation, Judd said. Because of this, the $5,000 reward is being offered. Anyone with information should contact Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-400-TIPS. People can also also submit a tip online.
Based on the evidence found, Judd says both Page and Rivera have now been charged with first-degree murder in Fussell's death. Both Page and Rivera's girlfriends have also been arrested and face charges connected to the crime, the sheriff's office said.
“They actively helped in what we believe is the disposal of Ethan,” Judd said.
Crystal Droweingo, 23, was charged with giving false info to law enforcement officers during a capital felony, tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact of a capital felony. She is Rivera's girlfriend.
Autumn Thomas, 25, was charged with giving false info to law enforcement officers during a capital felony, tampering with a witness and accessory after the fact of a capital felony.
