Deputies have arrested two teenagers in connection with a homicide in Crystal River.
The two suspects, both 17-year-old males, are facing charges regarding the homicide, which deputies say was discovered early Tuesday morning.
Deputies said the two teenagers plotted the crime for weeks and then bragged about what they had done.
"Several witnesses had actually heard the suspects blabbing about how they committed this," said Lt. Brad Smith, Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies were called to 595 N. Griffith Ave. at 4 a.m. after receiving a tip that a deceased person might be on the property. When deputies arrived, they found a highly decomposed body in the back of the residence.
The homeowner, Stephen Gorney, 54, has not been seen for several days. Deputies said they have not yet located him. They spoke with his next of kin in an attempt to find him, but those attempts were unsuccessful, deputies said.
Deputies said they think Gorney is the deceased person found in the house, but they cannot confirm their suspicions due to the poor condition of the remains.
According to the sheriff's office, the two teens planned to rob Gorney after initially approaching him looking for work.
"The suspects live in the area," said Sgt. Steven Casada, Citrus County Sheriff's Office. "They've done some work at the homeowners residence and have hung out there."
Deputies said two to three weeks ago, the teens went to the house in the middle of the night, stole the man's cash, van, and two motorcycles, and then beat him to death.
"After doing that, after ransacking the residence and getting everything they wanted, they proceeded to drag him into the hot tub and left him for dead," said Smith.
The teens are being charged with first degree murder, armed robbery and grand theft.
Dive team members responded to an area south of West Dunnellon Road near Citrus Avenue later in the day. Deputies said the dive team found Gorney's vehicle submerged in a pond.
We are not releasing the suspects' identities in accordance with our crime guidelines, as it is not yet known whether they will be charged as adults.