In a shocking turn of events, the Gainesville community is reeling from the brutal murder of 21-year-old college cheerleader Selia Huda, whose charred remains were discovered in a wooded area on December 30, 2010. The young woman, described as a vibrant dancer and aspiring nurse, was last seen alive after a seemingly normal visit to her parents on the evening of December 29. Just hours later, her life was violently extinguished.
Investigators quickly uncovered a sinister tale involving Selia’s tumultuous relationships, particularly with her volatile ex-boyfriend, Antonio Drayton. Reports indicate that Selia had sought to end her relationship with Drayton, which had been marked by escalating violence. Friends described her as a bright and joyous individual who had everything to live for, making her brutal demise even more tragic.
As firefighters extinguished what was initially thought to be a brush fire, the gruesome discovery of Selia’s body sent shockwaves through the University of Florida campus. Police recovered key evidence, including a napkin with DNA linked to Drayton, raising alarm bells about his involvement. Further investigation revealed a tangled web of relationships, including a current boyfriend and an unexpected accomplice, Cassandra Kimbro, who was seen on surveillance footage driving Selia’s car.
Drayton’s arrest followed a chilling confession from Kimbro, who detailed how he had violently ππΎππed Selia in a fit of rage after she attempted to break things off definitively. In a harrowing twist, Kimbro accepted a plea deal to testify against Drayton, who now faces a lengthy prison sentence.
The community mourns the loss of Selia Hudaβa promising life cut tragically short by violence. As the story unfolds, the impact of her death continues to resonate, reminding us all of the urgent need for awareness around domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can bring.