BROOKSVILLE – On Wednesday, April 16, State Attorney Bill Gladson and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced the indictment of teenager Cameron Cubel for the murder of Abbriella “Abby” Elliott.
As the Sun had reported in March, the body of the 16-year-old Abbriella was discovered by a hiker at the Cypress Lakes Preserve in Ridge Manor. At the time, Cubel was a suspect and deputies believed that she knew her killer.
After an exhaustive investigation, prosecutors with Gladson’s office presented the case to a grand jury and the grand jury returned an indictment for Cameron Cubel for first-degree premeditated murder. The 16-year-old Cubel will be served with a warrant and transferred to adult court.
Due to his age, Cubel could receive life in prison. However, a 25-year review period now exists in Florida for such cases where the factors are reviewed, and a determination is reached whether a release is appropriate.
Digital evidence played a large role in making the ultimate determination. In such situations, criminals will often leave behind breadcrumbs that allow authorities to piece together the proper case to bring justice for victims and their families. The sheriff’s cyber sleuths received praise during Wednesday’s press conference.
“I can’t say enough good things about how hard these folks worked on this particular case, trying to bring justice for Abbriella,” said Gladson.
According to Gladson, Elliott and Cubel had been dating and were still talking at the time of the murder. Considering the nature and context of the crime, the state attorney took the opportunity to emphasize the warning signs for teen dating violence and domestic violence.
Fortunately, violence in teen relationships is preventable. To do so, parents and friends must identify signs that hint that something may be wrong. Education is crucial to ensuring all parties know what these signals are.
Extreme jealousy, being possessive, or “snooping around” can be clear warning signs that someone is either not mature enough for a relationship or worse, the state attorney noted. “If there is intervention, no family, no parents, no mother, no father, or sibling will ever have to go through something like this.”
According to a 2021 CDC survey on teen dating violence, roughly 1 out of 12 teens who had dated in the last 12 months had experienced physical dating violence, Gladson stated. One in 10 tragically experienced sexual dating violence, and girls were more likely than boys to be the victims in these situations.
Tragically, Abbriella was a victim of the most extreme end of these statistics. Despite this, no violence can undo the impact she has had on the lives of those around her.
“[Abbriella brought light and joy to everybody that she met,” said Gladson. “One of those personalities that […] just by her presence, she could change people’s lives.”
Gladson added that Abbriella’s family would understandably like “some privacy” at this time, but they are still planning on attending whatever events or court dates that are needed to make sure “nobody ever forgets who she was and the goodness that she brought to our community.” The family “appreciates and actually needs the support from the community,” during this trying time.
