Florida began searching a Hernando County property this week for possible additional victims linked to convicted serial killer Billy Mansfield, decades after four bodies were discovered during an investigation tied to his family.The search began Monday, and involves investigators from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and the State Attorney's Office, who are excavating an area at Dry Creek Ranch after cadaver dogs alerted there during a recent search.FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported that authorities have been searching wooded areas near ranch property as part of the investigation.The search stems from a years-long effort by authorities to revisit information connected to Mansfield, whose family lived on Centerwood Avenue in Hernando County.COP WHO SURVIVED SERIAL KILLER AS A TEEN IS NOW ON TRACK TO BECOME A DETECTIVEInvestigators search a Hernando County property on Tuesday while authorities continue examining information tied to convicted serial killer Billy Mansfield, shown at right.(FOX 13 Tampa)According to Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Billy Mansfield and his brother, Gary Mansfield, traveled to California in the late 1970s, and became involved in a homicide investigation.Information developed during that case led Hernando County investigators to obtain a search warrant for property connected to the Mansfield family, where four bodies were discovered in the early 1980s.Two of the four victims were identified relatively quickly, while investigators later identified a third.
Authorities have recently developed genetic genealogy leads that could help identify the remaining victim and locate surviving relatives.Authorities have long suspected there may be additional victims.DETECTIVES’ TRUE CRIME PODCAST HELPS DIG UP BREAKTHROUGH IN CASE THAT HAUNTED FAMILY: ‘DREW AUDIBLE GASP’Theresa Fillingim is shown in an undated photograph.Fillingim was among the victims linked to convicted serial killer Billy Mansfield.
(FOX 13 Tampa)Nienhuis said Billy Ma...