Boyfriend indicted in missing teen cold case

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The boyfriend of a pregnant teenager who disappeared in 2012 has now been indicted in her murder, St. Petersburg police said this afternoon.

Morgan Martin was four months pregnant with a baby girl named "Jaliyah" when she disappeared from her home wearing only pajamas and slippers.  She told family she was going meet with the baby's father, then 24-year-old Jacobee Flowers. That would be the last time she'd ever be heard from again.

Her body was never found.

Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced that Flowers has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge. Morgan had previously identified Flowers as the father of her unborn child, but after her disappearance, he downplayed their relationship and denied being the father. "He duped her into coming out to meet him, he killed her and then dumped the body," described Chief Holloway. 

Holloway said detectives had pursued leads through the years but "everything continued to point to Flowers."

Police say a newly formed Cold Case unit re-examined and solidified the case. Investigators traveled as far away as Alabama to follow up leads. 

Morgan's mother made a tearful appearance at the press conference, thanking police for their ongoing efforts.

"There are so many kids out there that everybody has forgotten about and I just want to thank everybody here for not forgetting about my Morgan," Leah Martin sobbed.

Flowers, meanwhile, is already in prison after being sentenced for unrelated felony traffic charges.  When confronted with news of the indictment, Holloway said Flowers had no reaction and refused to speak with detectives.

Holloway said he could not discuss many other details, citing the sealed indictment, but he said there are "other people out there" with more information on the case.

"We ask you to come forward so we can bring closure to the family," he continued.  "Every family deserves closure in the death of a child and we will no rest until we have exhausted every effort to locate Morgan's body." If you have any information please contact the St. Pete Police at 727-893-7780.

This story is developing. Stay with FOX 13 for updates.