Authorities: Sebring man killed roommate, dumped body in Everglades

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SEBRING, Fla. — A Sebring man is accused of shooting and killing his roommate, stealing his 2014 Lexus iS 250 and dumping his body in the Everglades, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office said.

Michael Celello, 56, is facing four charges, including first-degree murder and grand theft, the sheriff’s department said. The roommate was identified as Michael Ernest Cerillo, 49. They lived on the 100 block of Rosemary Avenue.

Celello allegedly shot Cerillo while he was sleeping, authorities said, deeming the attack premeditated. Celello loaded Cerillo’s body into the trunk of the Lexus and drove two hours south before depositing the body in water near the Miccosukee Service Plaza along Interstate 75 at exit 49, close to the Collier-Broward county line.

Two witnesses tipped police to the crime, including a passenger in the Lexus, who passed a note to a clerk at the service plaza stating that she observed Celello dispose of the body, authorities said.

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