NORTH PORT: North Port Police announced Tuesday an arrest has been made in the murder of Coralrose Fullwood, whose body was found near her North Port home in September 2006.
Police say DNA tied 27-year-old Patrick D. Murphy to the murder. He has been charged with murder and sexual assault.
Ellen Fullwood, Coralrose's mother, also spoke at Tuesday's news conference. When asked if she knew the suspect she replied, "I don't recognize him."
On September 17, 2006 at 7 a.m., her family reported her missing when they couldn't find her inside the home. She had last been seen asleep around 2 a.m.
Around noon, Coralrose's body was found in
the woods next to a construction site not far from her home. Her death was ruled a murder. (see map below)
In January 2007, North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis announced Coralrose had been sexually assaulted. They also found the DNA profile of a non family member.
Police want to know what Murphy was up to in September 2006, around the time of Coralrose's murder.
If you have any information, contact the tipline at 941-429-7336. There is a $10,000 reward for additional information.
If you would like to remain anonymous, contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS.
