Victim found shot to death believed to be missing 14-year-old runaway, police say

TAMPA, Fla. - Investigators believe they have identified the young female found Friday morning shot to death in Tampa Heights, according to the Tampa Police Department.

TPD detectives said they believe 14-year-old Nilexia B. Alexander was found dead on Floribraska Avenue North. The teen was considered a runaway from Temple Terrace, police said.

"Our deepest condolences go to her family, loved ones and friends," TPD officials said in a statement. "As investigators continue their work to confirm her identity, they are also working to uncover the circumstances that led to her death."

Around 3:15 a.m. Friday, police said shots were fired in the 100 block of Floribraska Avenue North. When officers arrived, they said they found a "young female by the road."

Neighbors described hearing as many as eight gunshots and a car leaving the scene. 

"We were really surprised we knew it was something serious, we've never seen that many cops cars and police tape," said neighbor Laura Pereira. 

Investigators said Alexander was known to spend time in the Jackson Heights area when she left her home in Temple Terrace. 

"Nobody deserves to die at the hands of somebody it’s never a good thing, we'd like to get some justice for this victim," said assistant Tampa Police Spokesperson Sandra Bentil. 

The shooter and shooter's motives are still a mystery. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.