Two Charged in Connection with Death of Teenage Girl

SPRING HILL – Officials have charged two men in connection with a homicide investigation at an address on Bancroft Street.

According to Hernando County Jail records, 24-year-old James Richard Briski is charged with possession of Cocaine and Negligent Manslaughter of a Child. Briski is held on a $30,000 bond.

18-year-old Joshua Ware is also charged with Negligent Homicide of a Child and Possession of Cocaine but is also charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl and possession of a Controlled Substance. Ware is being held on a $170,000 bond.

A silver Volkswagen Jetta with heavy damage to the front left quarter was towed from the residence and taken to the agency’s impound yard to be processed by investigators.

Officials have not commented on the arrests.

ORIGINAL breaking STORY:

SPRING HILL – A death investigation is underway at a residence on Bancroft Street after sources say the body of a female victim was found inside the home.

Neighbors say Fire Rescue responded to 202 Bancroft Street around 4:30 a.m. and transported the victim to a nearby hospital.

Officials have not released any details into the investigation, but there are unconfirmed reports from sources that say a 17-year-old girl was found unresponsive in a bathtub during the overnight hours. That same source says an argument occurred sometime during the night between the victim and a male subject, but that has not been confirmed.

It is unknown if a damaged vehicle that is parked in the backyard of the residence is related to the death investigation, but one source says the damage occurred prior to last night.

Investigators are conducting interviews with witnesses at this time.

Officials have not said whether foul play is suspected.

We will bring more on this story as it develops.