A woman whose remains were found in the jaws of a nearly 14ft-long (4.2m) alligator in Florida had earlier been arrested for trespassing in nearby wetlands.
The body of Sabrina Peckham, 41, was discovered in the city of Largo on Friday after a witness spotted the large reptile toying withit in a creek.
Police said the animal, which measured 13ft 8.5in in length, was “humanely killed” after they were called to the scene.
Sabrina Peckham, left, pictured with her daughter, lost her life after being attacked by a 14-foot alligator. Photo / GoFundMe
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office identified Peckham’s body on Saturday, but said the cause of her death had yet to be established. Her next of kin has been informed.
According to court records, Peckham, who was homeless, had been caught by authorities on July 14 for trespassing on county wetland - just half a mile from where she was later found dead.
Officers with the alligator.
The New York Post reported the 41-year-old ignored signs warning against unlawful entry and was released on September 8 after pleading no contest to the misdemeanour.
She was ordered to pay $500.
Records reportedly show Peckham had multiple charges against her for trespassing, as well as a number of theft and drug convictions.
“They got this long stick thing, pulled the head out of the water, then they shot it and once they reeled it all the way out. They stretched it out and measured it 13ft long and they shot it again.”
