Body found floating is positively identified

Sheriff’s detectives say they have identified a man found floating offshore as a local Marathon area resident.

On June 4th, Deputy Todd Jones was dispatched to reports of a body floating offshore of the south end of the Seven Mile Bridge. The body was brought to shore with the assistance of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Initial examination of the body revealed a gunshot wound to the head. Detectives on the case say the wound is consistent with suicide, but they are still investigating the circumstances of the death. There was no identification found with the body and it appeared the body had been in the water more than 24 hours, so a visual identification was not possible.

The body was identified Friday by fingerprints as a 52 year old man who lives in the Marathon area. Although he has been positively identified, detectives are asking that his name not be released until they have a chance to notify his next of kin, which they are currently working on.

A car, rented by the dead man, was located parked at the south end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

Anyone who has any information about the case is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective Matthew Pitcher at 305-289-2410.

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