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Person of interest developed in case of missing Cape woman, death of another

By Staff | Oct 9, 2019

This afternoon, the Cape Coral Police Department issued an update on the investigations into a suspicious death and a woman’s disappearance.

On Monday, Oct. 7, Coral Police responded to a suspicious death investigation in the 4800 block of Tudor Drive. Police identified the victim as Kristine Ann Melton, 35. During the investigation, detectives were able to develop a person of interest. The investigation remains active, police said.

Also on Oct. 7, the CCPD began searching for Diane Ruiz, who was reported as missing/endangered. The investigation into Ruiz’s disappearance suggests possible foul play, police said.

According to the CCPD update issued just before 4 p.m., at present, two separate teams of detectives, along with support personnel, are working each individual investigation. Preliminary information suggests that the same person of interest from the initial death investigation may be involved in the disappearance of Ruiz, police said.

Police officials indicate they will release further details when they are able to do so without jeopardizing the investigations. The CCPD is asking the public to continue to assist with tips or anything that they may have seen, even if they are not sure of the significance of the tip.

The Cape Coral Police Department stresses, the person of interest in these investigations is in custody on unrelated charges and there is currently no imminent threat to the public.

Anyone with information pertaining to these two investigations is asked to please contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223.

Anonymous tips can also be made on the CCPD website www.capecops.com/tips. Text a tip by texting CCPD+”Your Message” to CRIMES (274637) or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.