UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2013 2:37 p.m.
VALDOSTA, GA. — The father of a woman found dead in Hamilton County—and a person of interest in the case—may now be dead as well, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Prine.
Sheriff Prine says that Marion County deputies have found the car the suspect was last seen driving, a 1997 Lincoln Continental. Deputies say that the person inside the vehicle has been tentatively identified as the suspect, Daniel Ovaert. He was dead inside the car when deputies found it.
Ovaert is accused of being involved in the death of his daughter, Pamela Provenzano. Provenzano's body was found lying on Southwest 44 Street in rural Hamilton County.
During the initial investigation, officials learned that Provenzano had possibly come to visit her father, Ovaert, who lived in Lowndes County. This lead to cooperative efforts between the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Late Monday evening, based on information that had been developed during the investigation, a public alert was distributed in an effort to locate Ovaert.
Ovaert's car was located at 10:30 a.m on Tuesday morning. His death is now being investigated by the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation into the death of Pamela Provenzano is continuing by all three agencies. Persons who have information regarding this investigation should call the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at 386-792-1001 or the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 229-671-2985.
UPDATED January 21, 2013 10:00 p.m.
VALDOSTA, Ga.--Investigators identifying a person of interest in a Valdosta woman's murder.
Investigators say 61-year old the Pamela Provenzano was found dead in Hamilton County.
Sheriff Harrell Reid says around 6:30 Monday morning a power crew came across her body on Southwest 44th Street near State Road 6.
Investigators believe Provenzano's body was left there sometime between the hours of 10:30 Sunday night and 6:30 Monday morning. They're not saying yet how they think she was killed.
"It's a homicide investigation based on the injuries on her body," said Sheriff Reid.
Investigators say 79-year old Daniel Ovaert of Valdosta is a person of interest.
He was last known to be driving a 1997 Lincoln Continental with Georgia tag number AVZ6464. Investigators say the car has a dent on the right rear quarter panel.
If you've seen him or the vehicle you're asked to call the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office at 386-792-1001 or the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office at (229) 671-2985.
HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL)-- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible homicide.
According to authorities a body was found on SW 44th Street around 6:30 Monday morning. A power crew was doing work in the area when they discovered the female victim's body.
The victim's identity hasn't been released yet. Her body was sent to a medical examiner's office in Jacksonville, Fla.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
