Investigators Interacted With Orlando Teen Miya Marcano’s Killer Twice Before His Suicide

Florida investigators have closed the Miya Marcano case while declaring that the suspect in her murder, who died by suicide before her remains were found, was the sole person responsible.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released a 135-page report on Tuesday that reveals more details about what police believe happened to the 19-year-old, who vanished in September from the Orlando apartment complex, Arden Villas Apartment Complex, where she both lived and worked. Her remains, which medical examiners described as “nearly completely skeletonized,” were recovered about a week later from behind a deserted apartment building. Her wrists and ankles were bound with duct tape, which was also found around her neck. 

Investigators believe that Armando Manuel Caballero, 27, murdered her, but they were unable to determine exactly how she died because of the state of her remains. He was found dead at an apartment complex in Seminole County of a self-inflicted gunshot wound days before her remains were found.

The newly released documents note that investigators spoke to him twice after the teen’s disappearance. The first time occurred as investigators were at Marcano’s apartment complex one day after she vanished; the teen’s family pointed out that Caballero’s car was present.

The victim’s family allegedly “observed a screwdriver in a bag, a cell phone case on the floor, and an unknown blanket in the back seat of Armando’s vehicle,” the report notes. 

When speaking to Armando, he “indicated [to investigators] that he and Miya were just friends and understood the accusations that the family was making against him regarding his past interest in Miya.”

Marcano’s aunt then began “accusing Armando of sending obsessive text to Miya claiming his feelings for her” and trying to give her money, the report states. 

That same evening, four members of Marcano’s family apparently followed Armando to his apartment to see him “removing various items” from his car while “carrying blue rubber gloves (medical type), a dark colored book bag, and an unknown type of multi-pink colored blanket back to his apartment,” according to the report. 

The family then called the Casselberry Police Department who made the second contact with Armando. They arrived on scene while the teen’s family remained outside of his home. 

“An unknown male family member of Miya approached Armando and asked to search his residence to ensure Miya or the blanket was not inside,” the report details. “Armando agreed to allow this individual to go inside with him and with the presence of [a police officer] to look around. After a walk through and search of the residence, and not locating anything of evidentiary value the family member, Armando, and [police] cleared the apartment.”

Still, investigators believe fully that Armando is responsible for Marcano’s death as they point to DNA evidence found on the shirt Marcano was wearing right before she disappeared and a bloody pillowcase. Both were found in her purse, which was discovered next to her remains.

“At this time, there are no further investigative actions being taken on this case and all evidence shows Caballero acted alone in the kidnapping and murder of Miya Marcano.” the report emphasizes.

Marcano’s family has also filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Arden Villas Apartment Complex for alleged security oversights which endangered the teen.