LAND O'LAKES, Fla. — Authorities in Pasco County arrested a 40-year-old in connection with a homicide in Land O' Lakes.
Late Sunday night, the Pasco Sheriff's Office announced they arrested Justine Mroz, 40, for second-degree homicide. The Sheriff's Office confirmed to Tampa Bay 28 Mroz is the victim's mother.
WATCH: Deputies arrest 40-year-old in Land O' Lakes homicide: Pasco Sheriff's Office
Earlier in the afternoon, the Pasco Sheriff's Office said they were investigating the homicide of a 6-year-old boy. Yellow tape blocked part of a street and a home on Drexel Road in Land O'Lakes.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Mroz reported the incident to dispatch around 10:00 am.
The Sheriff's Office said how the victim died is still being investigated.
"I ride through here every day. I deal with all these people. I work on their houses," said Savier Rodriguez. "She seemed like a nice lady."
Neighbors said their homes are tucked away in a quiet area and couldn't believe the law enforcement presence in their own backyard.
"As you can see, that's why I come out here for peace, and evidently to see something happen like this in this area is like very surprising," said neighbor Shalonda Canady.
Officials said this was an isolated incident, and there is no public safety threat.
Tampa Bay 28 reached out to Pasco County Schools, who provided the following statement:
"Pasco County Schools can confirm that Justine Mroz is employed by Pasco County Schools. She has been arrested by Pasco Sheriff’s Office and will not be on any school campus. In accordance with Pasco County Schools policy and employee privacy laws, no additional information will be provided at this time. On behalf of the entire Pasco County Schools family, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving. We are deploying crisis teams to provide care and support to those affected by this heartbreaking event."
On Monday, Pasco County Schools shared that Mroz was itinerant staff, explaining, "itinerant staff do not work at a single school every day but instead travel to several schools to provide specialized services or support where needed. These positions are typically assigned based on student needs across the district rather than tied to one campus."
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