Fort Lauderdale Police Arrest Suspect in Death of Daneshia Heller, Reject Serial Killer Rumors
Fort Lauderdale police have arrested a suspect in the death of a 30-year-old mother of three whose body was found near a dumpster last week, while publicly rejecting social media claims that a serial killer is operating in Broward County. Authorities confirmed Tuesday that 34-year-old Altavious Powell was taken into custody in connection with the death of Daneshia Heller.
Body Discovered Near Dumpster
According to Fort Lauderdale police, Heller was discovered Wednesday near a dumpster. Investigators said she was found naked and covered with cardboard. Her family has spent the past week mourning her death while awaiting answers.
“I can tell you all of us have not slept because we want justice,” her aunt, Latoya Snell, said.
Heller’s relatives described her as loving and caring. Family members said they believe she fought for her life in her final moments and expressed anguish over the condition in which she was found.
“She was a human, and she was treated like an animal,” her father, David Heller, said. “And I couldn’t be there to help her, and I would give my life for my kids.”
Arrest and Court Documents
According to court documents, detectives were contacted by an anonymous tipster who told investigators that Powell had confessed to the killing. Police have not publicly detailed the circumstances of Heller’s death beyond confirming Powell’s arrest. Powell remains in custody. Charging details beyond his arrest in connection with the homicide were not immediately outlined in the information released Tuesday.
Police Address Serial Killer Rumors
In the days following the discovery of Heller’s body, posts circulated online suggesting a possible serial killer in Fort Lauderdale. Police directly addressed those claims.
“We are here to dispel any rumors or concerns,” Sgt. Don Geiger of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said. “We do not have a serial killer that we are looking at in the city of Ft Lauderdale.”
Authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence supporting speculation of multiple related killings.
Public Defender Motion Filed
A public defender assigned to represent Powell has filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing prior representation of Heller. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for Wednesday. The investigation remains ongoing. Powell, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
