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Missing persons case becomes homicide investigation in Lehigh Acres

Posted at 5:12 PM, Oct 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-30 07:04:47-04

A missing persons case became a homicide investigation in Lehigh Acres that led to the arrests of two people.

Deputies have been investigating an area off Sally Avenue N and 59th Street SW since Saturday morning.

Investigators tell Fox 4 Matthew Eugene Collins, 31, was reported missing on October 13th after he left to get a hair cut and never came back. His girlfriend was unable to reach him.

October 18th, deputies found Collins' car in Lehigh Acres with a bullet hole in the windshield and blood inside. 

Through their investigation, deputies established Aria Armstead, 19, and Nathan Ortiz, 20, as suspects. Investigators say the two are dating, and live on Sally Avenue N, a few blocks away from where Collins' car was found.

Investigators also found Collins' body in a shallow grave in a wooded area across the street from Armstead and Ortiz's home. 

Armstead is charged with Second Degree Murder. Ortiz is charged with Accessory After the Fact. Both are charged with Tampering with Evidence. Both are in custody at the Lee County Jail.