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Englewood woman charged with fatally shooting her wife and attempting to dispose of the body

Posted at 7:53 PM, Dec 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-18 05:44:56-05

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. -- A woman faces murder and tampering with evidence charges following the death of her wife, Sarasota County sheriff's officials said.

Detectives arrested 48-year-old Jessica Winkler for the murder of Rhiannon Layendecker. Deputies say the body of the 51-year-old was found Saturday wrapped in a blanket in the bed of Layendecker's truck.

The investigation began about 4:00 p.m. Saturday when Winkler called 911 to report she had murdered her wife at the home they shared at 1429 Overbrook Road.

When deputies arrived they found Layendecker's body.

Based on their investigation, detectives say Winkler shot Layendecker during an argument at their home early Saturday morning.

Accord to a media release by the Sheriff's Office, Winkler tried to dispose of Layendecker's body and other evidence.

The Sarasota Underwater Recovery Force team recovered evidence in a nearby body of water. No further information was provided about that location.

Detectives also found a residence in Charlotte County, where investigators determined Winkler intended to bury Layendecker.

Based on a preliminary examination, the Sarasota County Medical Examiner's Office determined Layendecker's death was caused by gunfire.

Winker was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County Jail, where she is being held without bail.

The investigation continues.