Cassie Carli update: Missing mom’s ex Marcus Spanevelo is arrested as desperate search continues for 37-year-old
AN arrest has been made in connection with missing Florida mom Cassie Carli who disappeared after dropping off her four-year-old daughter last week.
Cops confirmed on Saturday that her ex Marcus Spanevelo is now in custody as the search for the 37-year-old continues.
Spanevelo was arrested in Lebanon, Tennessee, and has been charged with tampering with evidence.
He also faces charges of destruction of evidence and giving false information.
In a Facebook post from the Sheriff's Office, cops noted that the arrest was "based on a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes warrant which was signed by a Judge."
"We are cautious as to the information being released due to the sensitivity of this case. Search efforts for Cassi Carli remain underway," the post continues.
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Carli was last seen on Sunday, March 27, after exchanging custody of her and Spanevelo's 4-year-old daughter.
When her father texted Carli to see where she was, he received a text message in response saying she was having issues with both her car and phone, according to WEAR-TV.
The text also said she'd be staying with Spanevelo for the night.
The next day, Carli's dad received more text messages, this time stating that she'd be going to visit a friend in Destin, Florida.
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But the friend says Carli never arrived.
Her car was located two days later with some of her belongings inside, according to reports.
Carli's family has spoken out in the days following her disappearance and noted that the text messages sent to her father sounded nothing like her.
Speaking to WFLA Now’s JB Biunno, Carli’s sister, Raeann said: “The text messages my father received from [Cassie’s] phone were nothing of typical speak my sister would have said."
“Especially the claims of car and phone troubles at the same time. She would have walked to the nearest gas station if she had to before getting Marcus for any type of help in a situation like that.”
Carli's brother, Anthony, also spoke out about how Spanevelo had been treating her.
“Cassie’s been telling me for the last two years that [Marcus] has been threatening her,” Anthony Carli said.
“She’s always said, if anything happens to me, it’s him.”
Meanwhile, Carli's daughter, Saylor, 4, is safe. But Raeann Carli said: “She is not safe until she is back with us."
Sharing pictures of Carli and announcing their search to the public, Florida police said: "The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is currently working a missing/endangered persons investigation."
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"We are currently searching for Cassie Catherine Carli. She is 37 years of age. She was last seen on Navarre Beach on Sunday evening."
A $3,000 reward is available for any tips that assist police in the case. Tips can be called into 850-437-STOP.
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