Update:
Victims name is Michael Ernest Cerillo, white male, 49, of 116 Rosemary Ave, Sebring FL.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is Working a Homicide Investigation
Sebring-
About 10:40 p.m. the Broward Sheriff’s Office was requested to assist the Miccosukee Police Department in reference to a possible death investigation. Information gathered suggested a person had been killed and the body dumped in the Everglades. Subsequent investigation by Broward Sheriff’s detectives learned that Michael Celello, 56 year-of-age, had shot and killed his roommate, stolen his vehicle (2014 Lexus IS250) and transported the victim’s body in the vehicle to Broward County, where Celello dumped the victim’s body in the Everglades.
On June 29, 2016, at about 4:45 a.m. the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, advising they had information that the homicide had occurred at 116 Rosemary Ave, Sebring FL. Highlands County deputies arrived at the residence; secured it, and detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and are currently conducting a crime scene search at this location. Later in the morning, Broward Sheriff Office detectives notified Highlands County Sheriff’s Office they had found the body of an adult male near mile marker 49 on Alligator Alley.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently in Broward County working in conjunction with Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives, and have obtained an arrest warrant for Michael Celello for the following charges:
- First Degree Murder (No-Bond)
- Possession of Firearm or Ammunition by a convicted felon ($5,000 Cash/Surety)
- Grand Theft ($1,000 Cash/Surety)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence ($1,000 Cash/Surety)
The identity of the victim is being withheld, at this time, pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call Detective Du’Wayne Kelly at the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, 863-402-7250. Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), contact us on the internet at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com or simply scan the QR code at right. Anonymity is guaranteed.
