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    Home»Handyman»Handyman, 34, charged with murder after body of missing woman found in septic tank in her backyard
    Handyman

    Handyman, 34, charged with murder after body of missing woman found in septic tank in her backyard

    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMIBy James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMIJanuary 29, 2026No Comments3 Mins Read
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    Handyman, 34, charged with murder after body of missing woman found in septic tank in her backyard
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    • Police began searching the backyard for the body of Cynthia Cole, 57, who had been reported missing since February 24
    • Her body was discovered submerged in the cesspool, buried in her backyard in the 4500 block of NE Skyline Drive in Jensen Beach 
    • Her handyman, Keoki Hilo Demich, 34, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder
    • Demich had been hired by Cole to be her handyman for the last few years, and was the only person investigators were suspicious of after she went missing 

    By MATT MCNULTY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

    Published: 18:07, 6 March 2022 | Updated: 01:26, 7 March 2022

    The body of a Florida woman, who disappeared more than a week ago, had been found inside her septic tank – and her handyman has been arrested for murder.

    Police began searching the tank for Cynthia Cole, 57, a few hours after arresting her handyman Keoki Hilo Demich on Friday night.

    After several hours of excavation, her body was discovered submerged in the cesspool, buried in her backyard in the 4500 block of NE Skyline Drive in Jensen Beach.   

    Demich, 34, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

    Cole, who went by Cyndi, had been missing for over a week and was last seen February 24 at a Jammin Jensen event.

    Scroll down for video 

    Handyman, 34, charged with murder after body of missing woman found in septic tank in her backyard

    Suspect Keoki Hilo Demich, Cole's handyman who has been arrested and charged in relation to her murder

    Cynthia Cole, left, was found submerged in the septic tank in her backyard Saturday morning, and Keoki Hilo Demich, right, Cole’s handyman has been charged with her murder

    Martin County Sheriff William Snyder and investigators dig into the backyard of Cynthia Cole on March 4 and 5, 2022, one week after the woman was reported missing

    Martin County Sheriff William Snyder and investigators dig into the backyard of Cynthia Cole on March 4 and 5, 2022, one week after the woman was reported missing

    Demich had been hired by Cole to be her handyman for the last few years.

    He was the only person investigators were suspicious of after she was reported missing.

    ‘He made several statements that we know are false so he was charged with second-degree murder,’ said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.

    Snyder added that Ring cameras and security footage near Cole’s home show Demich exiting Cole’s car near Demich’s home in Stuart on the same night when Cole was last seen. 

    There were several other instances of cameras catching Demich near Cole’s vehicle, according to Snyder.  

    Cole, who went by Cyndi, had been missing for over a week and was last seen February 24 at a Jammin Jensen event

    Cole, who went by Cyndi, had been missing for over a week and was last seen February 24 at a Jammin Jensen event

    Cole, pictured, was likely murdered in her home before her body was placed in the septic tank, authorities said

    Cole had hired Demich to be her handyman for the last few years

    Cole, pictured, was likely murdered in her home before her body was placed in the septic tank, authorities said

    After several hours of digging, they eventually pulled Cole’s body out of the septic tank early Saturday morning. 

    ‘I’ve been doing this 40 plus years. I’ve never seen anything like it,’ Snyder said.

    Meanwhile, Snyder said detectives are still collecting evidence and added that Demich could face additional charges. 

    Evidence collected thus far suggests that Cole was likely murdered in her home before her body was placed in the septic tank.

    The body has yet to be positively identified by the medical examiner’s office, however authorities say they have every reason to believe that they discovered Cole’s body. 

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    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI
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    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI, is a recognised industry analyst and consumer-protection writer specialising in the UK home-improvement and trades sector. With over two decades of experience in business management, trade standards, and local-service markets, James brings a trusted, evidence-based voice to homeowners and professionals across Sussex and the wider UK. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, James is committed to promoting best practice, transparency, and fair pricing within the trades industry. His Chartered Manager status reflects his long-standing work advising SMEs, independent tradespeople, and emerging digital platforms on sustainable growth and customer trust. James serves as the Lead Research Editor for Sussex Trades Mag, where he writes in-depth guides, trade comparisons, expert reviews, and consumer advice designed to help both homeowners and trades make confident decisions. He is also a key contributor to MyTradeLinks, offering insight into digital transformation, local trade discovery, and community-driven service platforms. Across all of his work, James focuses on three principles: clarity, accountability, and empowering the local workforce. His articles aim to cut through jargon, expose industry myths, and highlight the standards that genuinely matter when choosing a tradesperson. When he isn’t analysing market trends or writing for Sussex Trades Mag, James mentors small business owners, supports community development projects, and continues his research into how technology can strengthen trust between homeowners and local trades.

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