http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/...en_by_Teenagers_Violent_Murder_124111544.html
The murder of 15-year old Courtney Wilkes has generated a lot of attention all over the southeast, for several reasons. First, because of the brutal nature of the crime, and second, because the upscale 30A tourist area has rarely had any murders. The murder has shaken this normally quiet resort area.
Residents and tourists, staying near the BeachCrest condominiums where 15-year old Courtney Wilkes was vacationing with her family, were shocked by the news of her murder on Thursday.
"I mean it's just that kind of place, nothing happens here, until last night" says Seagrove resident Rusty Wharton.
In the quaint Seagrove community, Wharton's backyard turned into a crime scene.
Sheriff's investigators found the teenager's body in a wooded area behind Wharton's house on Cypress Grove Lane.
Wharton asked an investigator what happened, to which he replied, " well, you really want to know?' and I said, 'no'. He said, 'Are you a Christian?' I said, 'yeah'. He said, 'it was that bad.'"
Investigators went door-to-door again Friday, showing pictures of Wilkes, and talking to anyone who may have information about the case.
One woman, who did not want to be identified, says she saw Wilkes and the suspect, 21-year old Steven Anthony Cozzie walking together just an hour before Wilkes' mother reported her missing.
"I had seen him walking on 30A, walking west towards Seaside and then about an hour after that I saw him walk past my front door with a girl in a bikini" says one woman who has requested to remain anonymous.
Learning, now, about Wilkes' fate has been disturbing for some.
"I wonder what I could have done if I had known. She was still alive when I saw them...I'm just so glad they caught him."
Thursday night, authorities said they were questioning 2-persons of interest. One was Cozzie, the other turned out to be Cozzie's friend, who investigators say is the one who cooperated with them.