Police in South Florida charged a man with murder after a body believed to be a missing local woman was discovered early Saturday in the septic tank of the woman's home.

The body believed to be Cynthia Cole, 57, was found by investigators in Jensen Beach, Florida, after “hours excavating Cole’s back yard, and located the body submerged in the contents of the tank about four feet underground,” Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday in a statement.

Police later arrested Keoki Hilo Demich, 34, and charged him with second-degree murder. Police described him as someone who “performed handy duties” for Cole.

Cole’s family and friends worked with authorities since she went missing on Feb. 24. Cole went missing after an event in downtown Jensen Beach, which is located about 110 miles north of Miami. Cole's friends say she does not drink.

Officials have yet to confirm the identity of the body. The Sherriff’s Office said, "detectives have every reason to believe it is that of Ms. Cole.”

“There are elements to this case still being investigated. Positive identification of the body by the medical examiner’s office is expected shortly," the Sherriff’s Office said. “We will update the community with additional information as it becomes available."