texas

Teen Found Dead in Park Lake Identified as Stepdaughter of Texas Doctor Charged in Overdoses

Police say 17-year-old woman died of homicidal violence; cause of death yet to be determined

A 17-year-old woman whose body was found floating in a park lake Sunday has been identified as the stepdaughter of a Texas doctor who is currently facing charges of distributing a controlled substance.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim as Mikayla Mitchell, whose home address is the same as 56-year-old Dr. Howard Gregg Diamond.

Diamond is accused of writing unnecessary prescriptions for powerful drugs that contributed to the overdose deaths of at least seven people over a four-year period. Diamond was arrested July 11 and is facing charges that include conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

While the medical examiner has not confirmed the woman's cause of death, police initially said she died from homicidal violence.

Mitchell's body was first reported to authorities at about 11:30 a.m. and was said to have been found in a creek. As the case developed, police updated the statement to say she was found in the lake at Blair Park along the 3000 block of Rochester Street.

A statement from the Sherman Independent School District said Mitchell was a high school student there until May 2016.

"We are saddened by the loss of any member of the Bearcat family," the district said. "Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with Mikayla's family during this difficult time."

Investigators have not named any suspects or revealed any motive in the woman's death.

Anyone with information on this offense is asked to call Detective David at 214-671-3627, or Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NBC 5's Hannah Everman contributed to this report.

Contact Us