Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies believe the body found this morning is that of 27-year-old Nicole Fields, an Osceola County mother who has been missing for one week.
The prime suspect deputies said, is Fields’ ex-boyfriend, Steven Louis, 28, with whom she was last seen when she headed to a custody hearing involving their 2-year-old child, at the Osceola County Courthouse.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said that the body was found in a wooded area on the Polk County side of Poinciana, about 10 minutes from Louis’ home, cfnews13.com reports.
Since Fields went missing one week ago, deputies have been searching for the missing mom and early yesterday, extended their search to two specific areas of Osceola County based on information obtained during the investigation. Utilizing a helicopter, K-9s and mounted patrol, investigators began searching an area in Poinciana near Marigold Avenue and Coyote Road. Deputies also began searching the area near Louis’ residence located at 931 Gateshead Court in Poinciana.
Investigators caught up with Louis in the Florida Keys last weekend, where he was found driving Fields’ vehicle and brought him back to Osceola County for questioning, but not before crashing the car in an attempt to flee.
Deputies said, he has been cooperating with investigators.
Louis was booked into the Osceola County Jail and charged with aggravated battery. Deputies said they have evidence to prove that he attacked Fields prior to her disappearance.
Deputies are awaiting positive identification of the body, before confirming whether or not it is Fields.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more.
