VERO BEACH — Interim Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey said that the murder at 620 Fiddlewood Road on the barrier island appeared to be a burglary interrupted. Homeowner 41-year-old Brian Simpson apparently walked in on a burglary in progress and was shot.
The police department did not release the number of shots fired or where inside the home Simpson had been found.
The Vero Beach Police Department responded to Fiddlewood Road at 6:42 p.m. Thursday in reference to a loud, banging noise.
“It’s a distinct possibility for sure,” Chief Currey said when asked if the banging sound had been that of gunshots.
Investigators are still at the home, searching for clues and taking inventory. Chief Currey could not say what, if anything, the burglar had taken.
When asked if the suspect or suspects had left behind enough evidence for officers to track them down, Currey said, “We certainly hope so.”
The Indian River County Fire Department dispatched a dive team to MacWilliam Park, where divers searched the waters for evidence. Chief Currey said he did not know if divers had recovered anything.
Chief Currey said he could not release any suspect information to the public at this time but encouraged residents to call the department if they observe anything suspicious.
He said the department is actively pursuing a “number” of leads.
Chief Currey said the department is reviewing surveillance from area businesses.
Whether the burglary was random remains under investigation, according to the police chief.
“We are not sure,” Chief Currey said.
Investigators encourage anyone with any information pertaining to the burglary or subsequent homicide to call the Vero Beach Police Department at (772) 978-4600.
