Body Found In Indian River Ruled A Homicide

Jennifer Hedges

TITUSVILLE, Florida -- The investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office of a body found floating in the Indian River south of Titusville has been ruled a homicide by the Brevard County Medical Examiner.  Preliminary results of the autopsy conducted today determined that the victim was beaten and then placed in the Indian River.   The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Jennifer Hedges of Titusville, Florida.

The investigation began on Thursday when Deputies were summoned to the scene after a boater located an object believed to be a human body.  The Sheriff’s Dive Team responded to the site and recovered the partially submerged body that investigators say had been intentionally placed in a manner to conceal the victim.  

Homicide agents and Crime Scene investigators searched the area yesterday evening for evidence related to the case. The Sherriff’s Office Dive Team returned to the area today to look for any evidence in the area where Hedges was recovered. 

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Agent Wayne Simock of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423- TIPS (8477).   

All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest.