Missing Hillsborough teen's body found in woods after apparent suicide

TAMPA — Hillsborough County sheriff's detectives found the body of a missing 18-year-old Sunday in a wooded area not far from her home.

Anita Mira appears to have committed suicide, according to sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter.

Mira walked out of her Valrico home on Dec. 4 after a dispute with her parents that led them to take away her cell phone and car privileges. She had left home in the past but always returned home after a day or two.

This time, family members found handwritten notes indicating the teen had suicidal thoughts.

Detectives located her body just after 3 p.m. in a wooded area approximately 3 1/2 blocks from her home, authorities said.