Deputies suspect foul play in missing engineer

TAMPA -- After thoroughly searching the apartment of a missing Tampa engineer, Hillsborough deputies have concluded Charles London Beck may be the victim of foul play.

Now, detectives want to talk to Beck's girlfriend.

Beck, 25, left, last spoke to his mother on the night of March 12, after returning from a business trip to Tallahassee. He didn't report to work the following day as expected and was reported missing by his family on Tuesday.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said she couldn't release any details about why deputies now suspect wrongdoing.

She did say that detectives today questioned Michelle Martin, 20, a friend of Beck's girlfriend. After the interview, detectives arrested Martin on an outstanding violation of probation.

They are searching now for Nicole Sylvester, also 20, who they say is Beck's girlfriend. "Detectives are optimistic that Sylvester will be able to provide information helpful to the investigation," sheriff's Carter said in a written statement.

Sylvester, pictured at left, does not have a permanent residence of her own, but would occasionally stay at Beck's home at Hidden Palms Apartments, 14505 Audobon Trace, Apt. 503, Carter said. She is described as 5-foot-3, 105 pounds.

A University of South Florida graduate, Beck has worked at Marlin Engineering in Tampa for the last year, according to his employer.

-- Rebecca Catalanello, Times staff writer