Body of missing woman found in rural CO in 2023, cops say. Now, man arrested in Florida
A man accused of killing a missing 25-year-old woman in rural Colorado has been arrested more than 1,800 miles away in Florida, officials said.
Nearly eight months after the woman was found dead, 62-year-old Clifton Boggess faces an array of charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping, the U.S. Marshals Service announced July 30.
Britani Meek was reported missing in October after she planned to go to Denver to meet up with an unknown person, according to a news release from the Yuma Police Department.
On Nov. 16, investigators found her car, and about a week later, her body was discovered in a rural part of Yuma County, police said.
Detectives believed Boggess was responsible, but they said he fled the state and likely headed to central Florida.
On July 24, investigators said they obtained a warrant for his arrest on charges of murder, felony tampering with a deceased body, kidnapping, motor vehicle theft and assault.
Investigators began conducting surveillance at a home in Sebring, Florida, and they later found Boggess at a storage facility in nearby Lake Placid, U.S. marshals said.
He’ll be extradited back to Colorado from Highlands County, deputies said.
From the time of her death until Boggess’ arrest, Meek’s loved ones demanded that the person responsible for her death be held accountable.
“We may have to accept, but: We will never forget and we will get justice for Britani,” a loved one wrote on Facebook.
Her mother said that in a “short 25 years, Britani lived a bold, brave life …” her mother wrote in a tribute on social media. “She was always up for an adventure and to learn something new, scouring YouTube on everything from how to make Japanese Milk bread, to how to change car breaks. Her lively spirit and openness to others helped her make lifelong friends who cared deeply for her.”
She said Meek lived with her 90-year-old grandmother, who was also her best friend.
“Whether Britani was preparing candle filled spa baths for her, cooking up a feast for her, or practicing the art of Halloween face painting on her, they had many, many good times together,” her mother said.
Family wrote in her obituary that she lived an active lifestyle and loved music and fishing.
“Britani had the biggest heart and was always willing to help others, no matter what they might need,” loved ones wrote. “She spent a lot of time with her family and made friends easily; as the saying goes, Britani never met a stranger and she could charm anyone.”
This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Body of missing woman found in rural CO in 2023, cops say. Now, man arrested in Florida."