Update: PCSO deputies have found and positively identified the body of 28-year-old Yanela Lorente of 339 Cherokee Avenue in Haines City, who has been missing since Sunday, May 28, 2017.
The autopsy on Ms. Lorente was completed by the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office today, June 2, 2017. Her cause of death is a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the manner of death is suicide.
If you have additional inquires about the missing persons portion of the investigation please contact the Haines City Police Department. Questions concerning the death investigation should be directed to PCSO.
“This was not the outcome we were hoping for. We are deeply saddened for Yanela’s family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
*** Press Release ***
Haines City Police Seeking the Public’s Help in Missing Persons Investigation
The Haines City Police Department is searching for 28-year-old Yanela Lorente of 339 Cherokee Avenue in Haines City, who has been missing since Sunday, May 28, 2017, and is asking for the public’s help in this investigation.
Yanela was last seen leaving her home on Sunday afternoon, and was last heard from via text message with a family member that evening. She was reported missing to HCPD on Monday, May 29, 2017.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have been assisting HCPD in the search for Yanela since Monday.
Yanela was last seen wearing a red and white flannel long-sleeved shirt, a white T-shirt with black lettering, short dark colored shorts, and black shoes with white soles. She was driving her white 2013 Kia Optima, which was later found parked off of Old Polk City Road, east of CR 557 near the entrance to the FWC Hilochee Osprey Unit Wildlife Reserve, in Haines City.
Yanela is described as 5’04” tall, 125 lbs., with brown hair, brown eyes, a scar on her right thigh, surgical scars on her abdomen, and a naval ring (belly button piercing).
If you saw Yanela or her car anytime on Sunday, May 29, 2017, please contact HCPD Detective Colon at 863-242-2188.
If you know where Yanela is, please contact HCPD Detective Colon at 863-242-2188 or 863-421-3636 ext 2268, or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) – anonymity is guaranteed!
As a reminder, her car has been located, but we are asking the public if they saw her or her car during the time frame when she was last seen, or in the area where her car was found (see above for descriptions of both).
IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YANELA’S WHEREABOUTS AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD, please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is Guaranteed!
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Call HCPD Deputy Chief James Elensky, 863-421-3636.
