Sebastian Crime Blotter: Dec. 31

Sebastian elementary, middle, high schools earn Purple Star designation

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools were recently awarded Purple Star designations for providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs for military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored with the designation Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis. "We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation." Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved ...

Sebastian police investigating murder-suicide

SEBASTIAN — A next-of-kin death notification led police to discover the body of a 64-year-old resident, Patricia Rockwell-Kuhner, at her home on Saturday, officials said. The same day, law enforcement officers found the body of the suspect in the woman's death, a 48-year-old man, in Volusia County. "The suspect was not found deceased at the residence. They were in another jurisdiction," said Sebastian police Deputy Chief Timothy Wood. Police determined the case is a murder-suicide. On Tuesday afternoon, detectives publicly identified the suspect as Michael Rockwell, who they said is Rockwell-Kuhner's son, Wood said. Officers with the Daytona Beach Police Department first discovered the body of Rockwell in Volusia County on Saturday, Wood said. Then, Sebastian police officers went to ...

Man charged after assaulting lounge employee, stealing cash and vehicle

WEST VERO CORRIDOR — A man was jailed after deputies said he held a 79-year-old Fire Vape and Lounge employee at knifepoint, severely beat the worker, then stole $150 from the cash register. The suspect also stole the employee's car keys and took off in the man's Chevrolet Malibu, reports show. "(The employee's) left eye sustained severe damage to the point where it was swollen shut," deputies said in the arrest affidavit. Andrew John Amo, 36, who deputies described as homeless, was charged with robbery with a weapon, kidnapping another person, grand theft auto, trespassing, grand theft more than $750, resisting officer without violence and battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Amo was held Tuesday at ...