Clarksville police arrested an 18-year-old in connection to the death of a 53-year-old woman.
Javian Jakeil Hawkins is charged with criminal homicide, and is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $2 million bond.
Police found the body of Julie Ann Rosario behind an abandoned home on Beech Street around 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The neighbor who found the body and called 911, said it was a gruesome scene.
“Her nose was smashed in,” said Beth Ruffener, who has lived in the neighborhood for a year. "There was blood all over her face. There was nothing left of her face. It was horrible.”
Ruffener said she felt like she had seen both Rosario and Hawkins in the neighborhood at a nearby apartment complex, but didn't know any details about either individual.
Police are still working to determine the cause of death and identify a possible motive in the case.
Ruffener said police are often called to the area, where drugs are common. She said she worries about the safety of her children and neighbors.
She hoped that an arrest in this case will help provide more answers for Rosario’s family.
“I offer my biggest condolences to her family,” said Ruffener. “I can’t believe someone would do that to a 53 year old woman.”
Officials said the investigation remained ongoing. They asked anyone with further information to call Detective Fred McClintock 931-648-0665, ext. 5465 or the TIPS line at 931-645-8477.
