Girl Found Fatally Shot May Be 14-Year-Old Runaway From Temple Terrace

TAMPA, FL — Tampa police believe a body discovered next to Floribraska Avenue Friday may be that of a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing from Temple Terrace.

At 3:15 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of Floribraska Avenue North and found a person they described as a young, light-skinned African American or Hispanic woman shot to death near the road.

Based on a tattoo on the girl's right forearm that says, "Arthur" and has a heart above the name, police believe the body is Nilexia B. Alexander who reportedly ran away from her home in Temple Terrace. In the past, Alexander was known to spend time in the Jackson Heights area.

As investigators continue to confirm her identity, they are also working to uncover the circumstances that led to her death.

They are asking anyone who may have seen the teen in the past few days to call the police non-emergency line at 813-231-6130.

See related story: Young Woman Found Dead Off Floribraska Ave; Tampa Police Seek Tips