HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. - The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a teenage girl and has announced an arrest.

According to authorities, a body was found by a passerby at around 9:35 a.m. Thursday just off Ridge Manor Boulevard in Ridge Manor, near the Cypress Lake Preserve.

Deputies say the victim snuck out of her house around 1:30 a.m. Thursday and met up with the suspect. Investigators believe she was murdered shortly after that.

“There is no murder that is easy to work. When it involves a young person, I will tell you that it tugs at the heartstrings of everyone involved whether they have children or not, but if they have children obviously it’s even more heartwrenching.”

The victim's name hasn't been released.

A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder. Sheriff Al Nienhuis said he couldn't release many details about the relationship between the suspect and victim, but did say they knew each other.

The suspect lives close to the city limits of Brooksville, the sheriff said.

The sheriff added that the suspect for now is being charged as a juvenile. Spectrum News is not releasing the suspect's name due to company crime guidelines.

Nienhuis said an "edged" weapon was used in the killing and that it was "nothing short of violent."

He said the charges may be changed to charge the suspect as an adult.

The investigation is still under way, Nienhuis said.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (352) 754-6830 and ask to speak to Detective J. Mitro. 

This is a developing story and any additional information will be provided as it becomes available.