OCALA, Fla. — Ocala Police have arrested a man in connection with the death of a 72-year-old woman found unresponsive in a swimming pool late last year, after investigators determined the case was a homicide.
On December 28, 2025, at approximately 6:56 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call at a residence in the 4500 block of Northeast 6th Street, where Diane German was found deceased in a pool.
The caller, identified as her boyfriend, 50-year-old Michael Rowland, told police he discovered her in the water that morning.
During the investigation, detectives identified inconsistencies in Rowland’s statements. Authorities said surveillance footage, phone records, and other evidence placed him at German’s home the night before her death. Investigators also determined that Rowland had concealed evidence inside his vehicle.
A medical examiner later ruled German’s death a homicide, citing evidence of strangulation.
Police said no other individuals were identified at the residence during the critical timeframe, and no additional suspects have been named.
Rowland was arrested in Jacksonville and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is expected to be transported back to Marion County as the case moves forward.
The Ocala Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and additional updates will be released as they become available.
Officials also expressed condolences to German’s family and credited detectives involved in the case for their work.