Cocoa Beach murder case: Joshua Keravuori sought by police for murder of Terry Hilliard
A nationwide manhunt has just become more clear as authorities have identified the person of interest as Joshua Keravuori of Maryland.
Keravuori, 18, is the lead suspect linked to a homicide at a Cocoa motel,
The man at the center of a nationwide search after a homicide at a Cocoa motel has been identified. The body of Terry Scott Hilliard, 65, of Ocala, was found in a room at the Dixie Motel on Forest Avenue around 11 a.m. on Feb. 7.
An employee called 911 around 11 a.m. Wednesday after finding a body in room 216, according to police.
Hilliard was visiting the area to witness the Falcon Heavy launch, according to comments from Hilliard’s spouse.
“We believe he is a drifter and ended up in Florida in the Ocala area, where he met the victim. Apparently, they drove over to watch the SpaceX launch on Tuesday of last week,” said Yvonne Martinez, with the Cocoa Police Department.
Martinez said officers spotted the victim’s car in South Florida shortly after discovering Hilliard’s body.
Keravuori drove and ditched Hilliard’s vehicle in the Hialeah area.
“We saturated that market. Come to find out, he got some money from a family member and hopped on a plane to Maryland, so, that’s where the trail goes cold,” Martinez said.
Police have released a photo and details: Keravuori is described as a white man, weighing 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. His last known location was in Silver Springs, Maryland.
“We need anyone who knows Mr. Keravuori, who can provide relevant information to contact us as soon as possible,” said Sgt. Doug Levine of the Criminal Investigations Division in release made by authorities.
Levine is also asking people who may see Keravuori not to approach or speak with him.
He is considered dangerous and may be armed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.