Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Riverview father on Thursday accused of the murder of his 13-year-old daughter.
Janessa Shannon was reported missing by her father Nahshon Shannon on July 3, 2017.
Nine days later, a body was found in the Triple Creek Nature Preserve, and was determined to be Janessa's remains.
Investigators searched Nahshon 's home, as that was the last place Janessa was seen after she was picked up by her father from her mother's home in Manatee County
They determined that the two got into an argument, which eventually led to her death. Investigators say her body was taken to the preserve in an attempt to hide the body.
Hillsborough Co. says the father has a history of violence. 11 felonies. 9 misdemeanors. And prior allegations of abuse. For various kids.
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) October 5, 2017
Michelle Mosley, Janessa's mother, suspects the two argued about Janessa sneaking out.
"It's really hurtful to know that..that this could happen. That he would do something like this," Mosley said.
Mosley said she questioned everything despite Nahshon reporting their daughter missing. Mosley said she even searched for her daughter and was surprised that Shannon remained calm.
Hillsborough Co. says daughter wasn't reported missing for over 39 hours.
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) October 5, 2017
"Nothing seemed right to me. Just the things he was saying, nothing added up," Mosley said. "It's been an emotional roller coaster. I'm happy {someone was arrested} and I’m angry. I’m...I’m hurt. I knew that it was him from day one and I’ve told everybody it was him from day one."
Mosley described her child as sweet and unique.
"I’ve never met a child in my life that was just so loving...so giving...so caring. {She'd} do anything for you. {It} didn’t matter what it was," Mosley said.
Mosley said what makes this even worse is knowing how much Janessa looked up to her father.
"To her, he could do no wrong. She loved him so much, but yet you still did this to her," Mosley said.
Officials said it took some time for forensic evidence to process the case, as it was very complex and there was a lot of evidence.
"A homicide of a 13-year-old is extremely tragic, even to our seasoned detectives," HCSO said.
Nahshon Shannon is charged with aggravated child abuse and first degree felony murder. He is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court Friday morning. Authorities have not released any additional details about the case, saying it's still an active investigation.
