The slaying of a 16-year-old girl is one of two weekend homicide cases that Sumter County detectives are investigating.

  • Sumter detectives looking for Larry Darnell Peavy
  • He's wanted in connection to slaying of 16-year-old girl
  • Man found dead behind burning vehicle in unrelated homicide

Investigators said they first were alerted to the girl's case when a 16-year-old girl, badly injured, went to the Tavares Police Department to report a sexual assault.

The girl told police she was assaulted by Larry Darnell Peavy, 35, at his rental home along the 300 block of South Pine Street in Bushnell. According to the girl, Peavy told her and her 16-year-old friend that he would take them to a party. Instead, she said, he took them to his home and assaulted the first girl.

The girl's 16-year-old friend was found dead Sunday at the rental home.

Investigators are now searching for Peavy, who was last seen driving a gray 1997 Nissan Sentra with a Florida tag number 2295UJ.

Peavy has a lengthy criminal history. He was previously charged with possession of cannabis, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.

Man's body found behind burning car

The body of Joel Aaron Curry of Leesburg was found early Sunday evening by Villages Fire Rescue, which had responded to a report a vehicle fire on the 8700 block of NE 102nd Road in Lady Lake. Curry's body was behind the 2011 Ford Focus SE, but some feet away.

Firefighters called law enforcement officials, who determined that Curry had been the victim of "homicidal violence."

Detectives are asking anyone with information on either case to call Crimeline, which you can do anonymously, at 1-800-423-TIPS or the Sheriff's Office at 352-793-2621.


Joel Aaron Curry (Sumter County Sheriff's Office)