Third Suspect Charged in Palmetto Nature Preserve Homicide Case
A third suspect has been charged in connection with the murder of a man found dead in the trunk of a car at a Palmetto nature preserve in August. Jenny Garcia, 27, is accused of assisting her boyfriend, Freddy Sandoval, in covering up the murder of Manuel Escobar, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Escobar’s body was discovered by deputies in a parked vehicle at the Terra Ceia Preserve, prompting an investigation that has since led to multiple arrests. Sandoval, identified as the primary suspect, was previously charged with Escobar’s murder. Authorities believe Garcia played a significant role in concealing evidence related to the crime.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to piece together the events leading up to Escobar’s death. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding the involvement of other suspects or potential motives in the case.