Authorities in Florida have arrested and charged a 30-year-old man in connection with the killing of his girlfriend who was earlier reported missing. According to NBC News, the body of 34-year-old Kathleen Moore was found on Tuesday after she disappeared for over a week.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said her boyfriend, identified as Collin Knapp, was taken into custody on Monday. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said Moore’s body was found in a bushed area around Knapp’s home following an extensive search. And authorities used her tattoos to identify her.
“It was a very heavily-brushed area,” Nocco said in reference to where Moore’s body was found. “She was actually covered … she was definitely covered on purpose to make sure nobody could come upon her.”
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In a press conference on Monday, Nocco said investigators looking into Moore’s disappearance had presumed she was dead and even asked Knapp for help in locating her body. But he was uncooperative.
“We wish that Collin would provide us information on where Kathleen is … As one of our detectives described, he was very cold, even when we were begging with him to tell us where her body is, he wouldn’t give us that information,” Nocco disclosed.
The sheriff’s office said the last time Moore was seen was on November 29, and the victim’s family and friends reported her missing to authorities after she didn’t report to work and school. They also informed authorities Moore is usually active on social media and also keeps in touch with family and friends.
Authorities were able to link Knapp to Moore’s disappearance after the blood on clothes that he disposed of in a dumpster at a restaurant he was employed, matched that of Moore’s, per NBC News.
The couple was said to have gone out with friends for drinks on November 28. And while they were hanging out, Nocco said Knapp and Moore were spotted arguing on a number of occasions. The couple later left in Knapp’s car and went to Knapp’s home where they had another argument.
And though Knapp claimed Moore had left his home, Nocco said there wasn’t any evidence to prove that the victim did indeed leave his home. Knapp has since been charged with second-degree murder.
“Our hearts and prayers pour out to the family and friends of Kathleen Moore,” Nocco said. “I know you were all searching for a better resolution. Unfortunately, this is what we have.”
