A Central Florida woman was arrested after an extensive investigation of human remains that were discovered.
The female human remains, which were found in a wooded area of Ramblewood Road in Lutz north of Tampa on August 8, 2025, were initially unidentified, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in an effort to identify the victim.
The FDLE Biology Special Projects Unit and Othram Inc. assisted in the processing of DNA evidence through grant funds from the Federal Bureau of Justice Administration’s Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program. Through this processing, potential leads were found.
The results were used to identify the victim as 78-year-old Jacquelyn Cirone. There were no apparent signs of trauma.
Detectives also determined that Rebecca Vaughn, a family member caring for the victim disposed of her remains in the woods after her death.
64-year-old Rebecca Vaughn was charged with the following: Unlawfully hold or move a dead human body in unapproved conditions, Failure to report death to Medical Examiner or Law Enforcement, and Tampering with physical evidence.
“This case is the result of relentless investigative work and a critical partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The actions taken in this case show a complete disregard for human dignity, and we will ensure those responsible face the full consequences.”
