Remains identified as a woman missing since summer 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office opened a death investigation today after confirming that skeletal remains found late last month were of Tia Bonta, a young mother who vanished in the summer of 2016.

A man was questioned last year in connection with her disappearance. James Dellofield told detectives that he picked her up at a Days Inn on East Colonial Drive, but dropped her off at another location. Detectives were not able to confirm his account.

Her remains were found by two men picking berries along Fort Christmas Road ant Lake Pickett Road. Jewelry was also found at the location, which prompted investigators to seek the public’s help in identifying the remains.

Investigators plan to hold a 2:30 p.m. news conference to discuss their next steps in the probe. Return here for updates on this developing story.