A Central Florida woman was taken into custody after an extensive investigation of human remains that were found.
The female human remains, discovered in a wooded area of Ramblewood Road in Lutz north of Tampa on August 8, 2025, were first unidentified, and detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to identify the victim.
The FDLE Biology Special Projects Unit and Othram Inc. worked together to process DNA evidence using grant funds from the Federal Bureau of Justice Administration’s Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program. This process revealed potential leads.
The victim was identified as Jacquelyn Cirone, 78, based on the results. There was no obvious evidence of trauma.
Detectives also discovered that Rebecca Vaughn, a family member who cared for the victim, disposed of her remains in the woods after she died.
Rebecca Vaughn, 64, faces the following charges: Unlawfully holding or moving a deceased human body in an unapproved manner, failing to report death to a medical examiner or law enforcement, and tampering with physical evidence.
“This case is the result of relentless investigative work and a critical partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The actions taken in this case show a complete disregard for human dignity, and we will ensure those responsible face the full consequences.”
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