JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A body was pulled Wednesday afternoon from a retention pond in the Sutton Lakes subdivision in Jacksonville’s Sandalwood area.
Later Wednesday evening, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it was the body of a 27-year-old woman who was last seen Sunday -- Teresa Gorczyca. JSO said the circumstances surrounding her death were still under investigation.
“We would like to thank our community for the assistance in the search for Teresa Gorczyca over the past few days. The family has been made aware of this unfortunate news, and have asked for privacy during this time to mourn the loss of Teresa,” JSO said in a prepared statement.
The JSO dive team could be seen at the pond along Alfa Romeo Drive on Wednesday — which is one of several in the subdivision. A Medical Examiner’s Office van was also there.
The cause of death had not been determined.
“We’re treating it as a crime scene until we can prove otherwise,” said Sgt. Hopely, with the Sheriff’s Office.
Many people who live in the neighborhood watched from a distance as police officers investigated.
“Kind of alarming. You don’t think these are gonna happen and then they do,” said Amanda Shockley, a resident.
The JSO dive team had been at the pond for the last several days for what News4Jax was told was an evidence search.
“It was strange because this a real nice neighborhood and we don’t have that type of activity here,” said Mary Smith, who lives in the area. “This is a quiet community.”
Anyone with information that could help detectives in their investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.