Kidnapping victim found dead

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Authorities said the shocking discovery of Torrance Hackworth's body in a wooded lot off of S Street has confirmed that his kidnapping turned into murder.

An anonymous tip led police to the area.

“The officers went and began to search the area. The body was located. It was not buried and was actually out in the open where it could’ve been seen,” said Captain David Alexander with the Pensacola Police Department.

It all began around 2:45 a. m. on Christmas Eve, when authorities said four to five unknown males entered an apartment on J street where Hackworth, 32, and his 36-year-old girlfriend lived.

Investigators said the men ordered the woman and her four young children into the living room at gunpoint, while Hackworth was tied up on the floor bleeding.

Police said the men ransacked the home and stole the woman’s car keys. Authorities say they then carried Hackworth to his girlfriend's car, stuffed him in the trunk and drove off.

Authorities said the stolen vehicle was found submerged in water off of I Street but Hackworth was not found in the truck.

“We were wondering if he was still alive. We continued to work the case at that point as a missing or abducted person until we found his body," Alexander said.

Captain David Alexander said it’s hard knowing that the suspects that did this, also put multiple children in harm’s way.

“It’s bad enough that anyone is involved. But when children are involved, that takes it to another level in terms of the affect it has within the community,” said Alexander.

Hackworth's family said they're still trying to deal with their loss.

An autopsy is currently underway to determine Hackworth's cause of death.

If you have any information, contact the Pensacola Police Department.