INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla— An 18-year-old Sebastian man has been arrested in connection with a homicide investigation of a 16-year-old found dead near Fellsmere.
Elisha Martin was arrested February 22 at his Sebastian home after police say he gave false information to investigators and was found to be in possession of 40 grams of marijuana with intent to sell. He also faces a felony charge of 1st degree murder.
Martin was first being questioned in the homicide after the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office says surveillance video shows Martin picking up the missing teen on February 18th, the last time anyone heard from the teenager before his body was discovered on February 21.
An autopsy shows the body had a gunshot wound to the back left side of his head.
During questioning, authorities say Martin changed his story multiple times. Investigators say he first said he was supposed to meet up with the missing teen on February 18 to talk about who burglarized Martin’s car.
When confronted with surveillance video that investigators say showed that he picked up the teenager he changed his story. He said he sells marijuana and that’s what he was doing with the teenager, investigators said.
However, they say he quickly changed his story after authorities pressed him and said the two went together in Martin’s car to conduct a robbery. But, investigators say he then changed his story one more time to say he thought the missing juvenile was going to commit a murder so he dropped him off and left.
A search warrant of Martin’s home uncovered a gun and drugs in his bedroom which he reportedly admitted were his.
Deputies arrested Martin and he is currently being held at the Indian River County Jail without bond.