A massive alligator measuring approximately 4.2 meters was witnessed dragging a human corpse through the streets of Largo, a city located in Pinellas County, Florida.
This unsettling event unfolded on September 22nd and sent shockwaves throughout the community, prompting an urgent response from local authorities and emergency responders, according to Bay News 9.
Unfolding the Grisly Scene
The incident began when residents in the area noticed an enormous alligator carrying a lifeless human body in its formidable jaws.
JaMarcus Bullard, a witness to the gruesome spectacle, was quick to capture the chilling sight on video. Realizing the severity of the situation, he hurriedly reported the incident to the local fire department, prompting them to contact 911 for immediate assistance.
A Humane Response
Upon arrival, emergency personnel wasted no time in addressing the alarming situation. They made the difficult decision to euthanize the massive alligator to prevent any further harm. This process, described as “humane killing,” involved shooting the reptile multiple times, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
Alligator loaded onto truck. Sadly, we did see from chopper a human body pulled by divers from the canal. pic.twitter.com/rfCHBV1atL
— holly gregory (@hollygregory33) September 22, 2023
Identifying the Victim
As authorities carefully secured the scene, they were able to retrieve the body from the clutches of the alligator. The victim was identified as 41-year-old Sabrina Peckham, shedding light on the tragic loss that had befallen the community.
Pinella’s County Sheriff’s Office statement
On September 22, 2023, at approximately 1:50 p.m., deputies responded to the area of 134th Avenue North and 121st Street North in Unincorporated Largo, after a report of a body seen in the waterway.
Throughout the course of the investigation, and with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a 13-foot, 8.5-inch male alligator was humanely killed and removed from the waterway. Deputies assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team also recovered the remains of a deceased adult from the waterway.
The medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. When identification of the deceased is determined and next of kin has been notified, it will be provided via media alert.
Any citizen who has a concern regarding an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
The investigation continues and all further updates will be provided via Media Alert.
**Update as of 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023**
Sabrina Peckham (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 1/15/1982
Throughout the course of the investigation, the deceased victim has been identified as 41-year-old Sabrina Peckham. According to the Medical Examiners Office, the manner and cause of death is pending.
Next of kin has been notified. The investigation continues.
Images source: Fox 13 Tampa Bay YouTube