ORLANDO, Fla. — Safety continues to be a concern at Arden Villas Apartments, the Orlando apartment complex where 19-year-old Miya Marcano was kidnapped and believed to have been killed last year.


What You Need To Know

  • Many Arden Villa residents feel complex hasn’t delivered on improved security promises after resident Miya Marcano was killed in September of 2021

  • Resident Julia Veiga says she doesn’t feel safe and will not be renewing her lease

  • The complex installed a new gate on February 1, after it had been broken for at least two months, allowing anyone to drive through

  • The complex declined to respond to inquiries

  • RELATED: Fight for ‘Miya’s Law’ to make apartments safer unfolds in Florida’s capitol

Miya Marcano was last seen on Sept. 24, at her apartment complex. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office named an apartment employee a person of interest in Marcano's death, saying he used a maintenance key to break into her apartment.

Marcano's body was discovered on Oct. 2, in a nearby wooded area.

Arden Villas tenant Julia Veiga said ever since Marcano’s death, everyone at the complex has been on edge.

“No, I don’t feel safe here," she said. "I won’t be living here much longer."

One major concern has been about the complex’s front gate. Until the beginning of February, there hadn’t been one since late November.

Veiga said the complex has also been promising a 24-hour security guard, improved lighting and cameras on the back of the building where Miya Marcano lived, as well as a permanent memorial in her honor.

Veiga said the complex hasn’t fulfilled those promises yet.

She has been fighting to get better security since Marcano's death, even starting an online petition that has received tens of thousands of signatures.

Spectrum News 13 emailed and called the complex over these security concerns, but has not received a response.

Marcano’s family has filed a lawsuit against the complex.

Daryl K. Washington, the family’s attorney emailed Spectrum News the following statement:

“One would think after the tragic death of 19-year-old Miya Marcano that the Preiss Company (Property Management Co.) and the owner of the Arden Villas Apartments would have made sure that the needs and concerns of the tenants were being met. Sadly, many of the tenants are still living in fear. Once the cameras stop rolling, the Arden Villas went back to business as usual. This is a prime example of profits being prioritized over safety.”