Florida Man Allegedly Kills Teen Girlfriend, Leaves Body in Backyard

A Florida man, 20, faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly strangling his 17-year-old girlfriend, seen in the image, during an argument and leaving her body in the backyard.

Miami-Dade, FL – A 20-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after allegedly strangling his teenage girlfriend and leaving her body in the backyard of his home, authorities confirmed.

Miami-Dade County deputies responded Monday night to a residence near Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast 107th Street after receiving reports of an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, officers met with the suspect's mother, who led them to the backyard, where 17-year-old Janise Barthold was found lifeless. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

According to police, the suspect, Dominique Domond, initially claimed that he had been attacked by Barthold and an unidentified man, leading him to strangle her in self-defense. However, after being read his Miranda rights, Domond allegedly admitted that no one else was in the home and confessed to choking Barthold to death during an argument. He then moved her body to the backyard.

Domond was taken into custody on Tuesday and remains in jail without bond.

Following the tragedy, Barthold's family and friends gathered Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil and balloon release in her honor. Her brother, Quincy Vincent, expressed deep sorrow and regret, saying, "She didn't deserve this. She was a beautiful young girl. This is tragic."

Many attendees wore T-shirts with Barthold's image, but her aunt cried, saying, "I don't want her to be on my shirt. I want her here with me."

To assist with funeral expenses, Vincent started a GoFundMe, describing his sister as "a beautiful soul taken away due to tragic domestic violence."