The disappearance of 19-year-old Miya Marcano in late 2021 wasn't just another headline. It was a visceral, terrifying wake-up call for anyone living in an apartment complex. We all like to think our "sanctuary" is safe once the deadbolt clicks into place. But for Miya, a student at Valencia College, the threat didn't come from a broken window or a forced entry. It came from a master key.
Honestly, the details that emerged during the search were the stuff of nightmares. When her body was eventually found in a wooded area near the Tymber Skan apartments in Orlando, the questions didn't stop. They intensified. People wanted to know exactly how she died, but the official answer from the medical examiner was frustratingly complex.
Miya Marcano cause of death: The Medical Examiner's Ruling
When the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office finally released the autopsy report in December 2021, the findings were grim. The official Miya Marcano cause of death was ruled as "homicide by undetermined means."
That sounds vague, right? It’s because it is.
The report, signed by Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, explained that Miya's remains were "nearly completely skeletonized" by the time she was discovered on October 2, eight days after she vanished. Because of the advanced state of decomposition, there was no soft tissue left for the doctors to examine for things like strangulation marks, bruises, or internal injuries.
However, the "undetermined" label doesn't mean the police were guessing about whether a crime occurred. Far from it. The way she was found told the real story.
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What the evidence revealed
- Restraints: Miya was found with black duct tape covering her mouth.
- Bindings: Her wrists were bound behind her back with that same tape, and her ankles were also taped together.
- Location: She had been dumped in a wooded area, hidden from view.
The medical examiner was clear: the circumstances of her discovery—the duct tape and the bindings—indicated "some type of assault." Even if they couldn't point to a specific medical mechanism like blunt force trauma or asphyxiation, the intent was undeniable.
The Timeline of a Tragedy
To understand why this case hit so hard, you have to look at the timeline. It wasn't just a random act of violence; it was a targeted abduction by someone who had access to her most private space.
On September 24, 2021, Miya was supposed to fly home to Fort Lauderdale to visit her family. She never made that flight.
Her family, sensing something was wrong immediately, drove up to Orlando. They found her apartment in disarray. There was blood on a pillow. A dresser had been pushed against her bedroom door from the inside—a chilling sign that she may have been trying to keep someone out, or someone was trying to keep others from getting in.
The prime suspect was Armando Caballero, a 27-year-old maintenance worker at the Arden Villas complex where Miya lived and worked.
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Records showed that Caballero’s master key fob was used to enter Miya’s apartment at 4:30 p.m. that Friday, just minutes before she finished her shift at the leasing office. He had been "obsessed" with her, according to her family. He’d sent her money on CashApp (which she declined) and had been rebuffed when he asked her out.
The Suspect’s Final Act
The investigation took a dark turn when Caballero was found dead by suicide on September 27, just days after Miya went missing. He never faced a courtroom. He never had to explain what he did or where he left her.
Police eventually tracked his cell phone pings to the Tymber Skan apartments, an area he was familiar with because he used to live there. That's where they found Miya. Because the only suspect was dead, the criminal case was effectively closed, leaving a hole where justice should have been.
Why the Miya Marcano Case Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why we’re still talking about this years later. It's because Miya's death actually changed the law.
Before this happened, Florida’s rules around apartment maintenance were surprisingly lax. Think about it: a stranger has a key to your bedroom, and you have no idea if they’ve been vetted.
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In response, the Florida legislature passed "Miya’s Law" (Senate Bill 898). It wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it created real, enforceable requirements for landlords.
Key Changes Under Miya's Law:
- Mandatory Background Checks: All apartment employees must undergo a national criminal background check. If they have a history of violence, they can't be hired.
- The 24-Hour Rule: Landlords now have to give at least 24 hours' notice before entering an apartment for repairs. It used to be just 12.
- Key Logs: Complexes are now required to keep a digital log of every time a master key is used. No more "ghost" entries.
As of 2026, these protections have become the gold standard in Florida, and many other states have looked to Miya's Law as a blueprint for their own tenant safety regulations. It’s a bit of a bittersweet legacy, but it’s one that has undoubtedly saved lives.
Actionable Insights for Renter Safety
The Miya Marcano cause of death was a failure of a system that trusted the wrong people with too much access. If you’re a renter today, there are steps you can take to protect yourself that go beyond just locking the door.
- Audit Your Complex: Ask your property manager directly if they are compliant with Miya’s Law. Ask to see their policy on key fob logs.
- Internal Security: Use a "hotel lock" or a security bar on your front door when you are inside. These devices don't require permanent installation and prevent anyone with a key from entering while you're home.
- Digital Footprint: Be aware of who has your number or social media. In Miya’s case, the suspect used his position to gather information and harass her. Document every unwanted interaction with staff immediately.
- Trust Your Gut: Miya’s family knew something was wrong within hours. If a staff member makes you uncomfortable, report it to the corporate office, not just the local manager.
Miya Marcano’s story is a reminder that "undetermined" doesn't mean "forgotten." While the medical report couldn't give her family every answer they sought, the legislative response ensured that her name would be synonymous with the right to be safe in one's own home.
If you live in a rental property, take a moment today to check your door's secondary locks and verify your complex’s background check policies. Safety is a right, but staying informed is your best defense.