HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – State Attorney Bill Gladson announced Wednesday that a Hernando County Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging 16-year-old Cameron Cubel with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Abbriella “Abby” Elliott.
The announcement came during a press conference held at the State Attorney’s office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Abbriella Elliott, also 16, was found deceased near the Cypress Lake Preserve off Ridge Manor Boulevard on a Thursday morning several weeks ago by a passerby. Her death, which occurred just two weeks after her 16th birthday, sent shockwaves through the Hernando County community.
READ: Fugitive, Spring Hill Shooter Jerae Crussell Apprehended In Hernando County
“Very tragic case,” Gladson stated, opening the conference. “We are here today to announce an indictment for the person who committed this murder.” He confirmed that Cubel, who was arrested the day after Elliott’s body was discovered, will be transferred to adult court to face the charges.
Gladson described Abby as a vibrant young woman who “enjoyed everybody that she met” and whose presence “could change people’s lives.” He acknowledged the unimaginable pain her family is experiencing, noting their intention to attend every court proceeding to ensure Abby is never forgotten.
The State Attorney took the opportunity to highlight the issue of teen dating violence, referencing the tragic circumstances of Abby’s death.
“It’s good that [information] has gotten out because one of the opportunities we have during a tragedy like this is to talk about the warning signs for teen dating violence,” Gladson said.
READ: Winter Haven Man Faces Arson, Assault Charges After Standoff And Attack On Polk County K9
He cited a 2021 CDC study indicating that roughly 1 in 12 teens experienced physical dating violence and 1 in 10 experienced sexual dating violence within the past year, with females being more frequent victims. He urged parents, friends, and the community to educate themselves on warning signs to allow for intervention and potentially prevent similar tragedies.
Gladson commended the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for their swift and thorough investigation. He specifically praised the work of Detectives Vargas and Wilson, as well as the crime scene technicians and digital forensics experts.
“The first 24 or 48 hours in any criminal investigation is critical,” Gladson noted, highlighting the cooperation between his office and the HCSO from the outset. “I can’t say enough good things about how hard these folks work and worked on this particular case, try to bring Justice for Abriella.”
He described the forensic teams as “unsung heroes” whose meticulous work on complex crime scenes provides compelling evidence in court.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis had stated earlier that Elliott likely left her home early on the morning she died to meet Cubel and that the killing involved “a lot of passion and a lot of violence,” likely carried out with an “edged weapon.”
Prosecutors Sonny McCaffrey and Blake Shore presented the case to the grand jury earlier today, resulting in the first-degree murder indictment.
READ: Ruskin Man Hits Jackpot: Claims $2 Million Prize On Florida Lottery CASHWORD Scratch-Off
Gladson emphasized that the legal process ahead will be long and difficult for Elliott’s family, appealing to the community for sustained support. “The family appreciates and actually needs the support from the community… It’s going to help them, but it’s going to need to be sustained over the next couple years,” he said.
Sheriff Nienhuis and Lieutenant John Jewell were also present at the press conference.
Cubel will be served with the warrant and transported to Hernando County, where court proceedings will commence.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
