2 bodies found in Hernando, Citrus counties; couple arrested: sheriff

Garrett Phillips
·2 min read

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Citrus and Hernando County Sheriff’s Offices announced a pair of arrests in a missing persons case.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said Luequita Sclesky and Duane David Sclesky were arrested for the murder of Jamie Lin MacDonald, who was reported missing on May 12.

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MacDonald’s body was found in a creek in Homosassa, Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said.

During the investigation, the body of Kenneth Zikendrath — an associate of the Scleskys — was also discovered north of State Road 50 in Hernando County between U.S. 19 and Mariner Boulevard, Sheriff Al Nienhuis said.

They said he was murdered possibly a year or two ago and it took a while to identify him because no one knew he was dead.

“I think they were still getting proceeds from some of his maybe some assistance he was getting, I assume from the federal government or from the state,” Sheriff Nienhuis said.

The sheriffs said the four individuals lived a “high-risk lifestyle,” which may have involved drugs, and said Duane Sclesky had anger issues. The couple is facing charges related to the death of MacDonald and Zikendrath.

“They may have lived a high-risk lifestyle, but they didn’t deserve that,” Sheriff Prendergast said. “They did not deserve to die that way. Absolutely not. So, if any of their friends or family are out there right now that know anything about their associates, there may be other victims out there. We don’t know.”

Luequita Sclesky is facing charges of criminal use of personal identification, unlawful possession of stolen debit/credit cards, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, violation of probation and homicide.

Duane Sclesky is facing charges of trafficking in fentanyl, possession of paraphernalia, driving with a revoked or suspended license, and homicide.

Sheriff Prendergast said additional charges for both Scleskys are still pending.

Both the Scleskys are being held at the Hernando County jail.

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