Morganton Woman Found In Florida, Passes

A Morganton woman died Wednesday, nearly a week after she was discovered in a St. Petersburg, Florida, park with life-threatening injuries. Christie New, 43, was found by a worker at Lake Maggiore Park around 11:30 a.m. on March 1 with “severe trauma”, said Sandra Bentil, a spokesperson for the St. Petersburg Police Department.Investigators believe New came into town from South Florida the day before she was found. New’s sister, Deanna New, said Christie had taken a trip to Ocala, Florida, with her horses to see her horse trainer, according to Fox 13 in Tampa. While in Ocala, Deanna said she believes Christie met a male acquaintance.Anyone with information about Christie’s death is asked text “SPPD” and an anonymous tip to TIP-411 or call the police department’s non-emergency line at 727-893-7780.