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EquuSearch Looks For Ocasio’s Body, Suspect Gives DNA Sample

Saturday, June 13, 2009 12:05:26 PM
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James Hataway, the person of interest in the Tracy Ocasio case, has apparently given police a DNA sample.

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OCOEE -- The director and founder of Texas EquuSearch, Tim Miller, arrived in Orlando Friday evening to search for Tracy Ocasio.

News 13 has confirmed with the Ocoee Police Department that the DNA sample provided by James Hataway is now in a database to check for matches in other suspected criminal cases in Florida and across the country. 

Police said Hataway willingly consented to the swab.

They said requesting a DNA sample is routine in cases such as this. So far, police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have not heard if there are any potential matches.

Hataway remains a person of interest in the case and has not been charged in connection with Ocasio's disappearance.

Meanwhile, the search continues for Ocasio.

Miller arrived just before 5 p.m.

He said Ocasio's father personally called him in to help.

"I think reality probably hit him that he probably realizes that, you know, the end isn't going to be pretty and it isn't going to be an end that he probably wants. I think he's accepted the fact that she's probably not alive, but he wants to bring her home," Miller said.

Miller plans to drive around the Ocoee area Friday evening and map out some of the areas he will be searching this weekend.

Forty-five local EquuSearch members will be helping him.

Miller said they aren't looking for volunteers right now.

EquuSearch will start searching Saturday morning at 8 a.m.

The command center and start of Saturday's search will be on Clarcona Ocoee Road near Drew Road.

Law enforcement is asking anyone with information about Ocasio or Hataway to call CrimeLine at (800) 423-TIPS.

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