Fisherman gets tattoo of Naomi's name after finding her body in creek

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) — The discovery of Naomi Jones' body on Monday helped unravel the murder case for Escambia County investigators.

For the two men who found her body, it changed the course of their lives forever.

Channel 3's David Gonzalez spoke with Robert Rose at the site of where he found Naomi's body. He's been numb ever since that moment, but finds some joy knowing he could help bring closure to her family.

Rose was working with his partner in the area of Ashland Avenue and Detroit Boulevard on the day the two found Naomi's body.

They stopped at the 8 Mile Creek Bridge to check out a fishing spot. Rose said he could smell something in the air and thought it was a dead animal.

Rose said when he looked over the railing he realized it was something much worse.

"She was right where the water starts coming back into the woods," Rose said. "She was laying right there face down."

Rose said he can't put into words what went through his mind. He was aware of the 12-year-old's disappearance and knew exactly what he had stumbled upon.

"I knew exactly who it was because she had on the red tank top and you can see the purple braids in her hair," he explained.

Rose called authorities immediately and told them he had found the missing Pensacola girl. Within minutes the area was filled with Escambia County deputies.

Rose said he has been a wreck ever since then.

"You have no appetite, you have no way of sleeping," he said. "It's hard, it's very hard because I have nieces and nephews that are at that age."

The whole experience has changed his life.

Rose has tattooed Naomi's name on his shoulder with wings wrapped around it. She'll forever be his guardian angel.

"That little girl holds a place in my heart and she will always have a place," he said. "She has a place right beside my kids in my heart."

Rose plans to be at Thursday night's candlelight vigil. It will start at 7 p.m. in the rear parking lot of Olive Baptist Church.

People are encouraged to wear pink and white.