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State: Boyfriend of Tonya Whipp is 'only suspect' in her homicide investigation

Police have secured the home of Russell Carroll in Auburndale and may plan a search.

AUBURNDALE, Florida — This month will mark one year since anyone last saw or heard from Tonya Whipp.

New court documents filed from the state claim her boyfriend Russell Carroll of Auburndale is the only suspect and that detectives have "reached the conclusion that she is deceased." 

Auburndale police secured his home Friday and said they'll likely search the home starting Saturday.

"The investigation has progressed to the point that the only suspect in the homicide investigation is Russell Carroll," the state wrote in its motion to increase amounts and conditions of bonds. 

It comes after Carroll was arrested earlier this week when officers said he used her financial accounts and redirected money to himself multiple times.

Court documents state Carroll made cash withdrawals as far back as June 29, 2023.

RELATED: Police: Boyfriend of missing woman Tonya Whipp arrested for stealing her money

Right now, Carroll is being held on a $35,000 bond for those charges, however, state prosecutors are asking for a higher amount, "based upon the flight risk of the defendant."

In addition, the state added, "The defendant is aware he is the suspect in a homicide investigation and has reason to flee."

Carroll spoke with reporters in October and claimed his innocence.

"I have absolutely nothing to do with her disappearance," he said.

Carroll was arrested in 2003 and convicted of first-degree attempted murder of an ex-girlfriend. Carroll served time in prison before being put on supervised probation. However, in 2013, he was found to have violated the conditions of his probation.

He was released in January of 2023. Whipp would go missing four months later. 

RELATED: 'They're cowards': Tonya Whipp's family believes she's dead as May marks one year since her disappearance

Next Friday, family and loved ones of Tonya Whipp are planning to hold a candlelight vigil at Auburndale Park in her honor to mark one year since her disappearance.

“Everybody loves Tonya,” her older sister Donna Martin said. “She'd give you the shirt off of her back. She's a really good girl.”

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