INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Details were few in an early Sunday morning home invasion in the Highlands that left at least one person dead in a case sheriff’s officials described as “heinous.” Deputies are asking anyone who might have information about the incident to contact the sheriff’s office.
The homicide was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public, sheriff’s officials said.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers briefly spoke about the homicide during a news conference Sunday at the Vero Beach Highlands Clubhouse. Flowers did not take any questions because the investigation is still in its early stage.
“Unfortunately, due to a tragedy we’ve had a homicide just down the street from us,” Flowers said. “We’re currently in the process of serving a search warrant on the residence. The residence is one we’re familiar with and have been to numerous times this year. We’re familiar with a couple of the residents in the house.”
Video by Nick Samuel
Deputies responded to the incident about 3:47 a.m. at the home in the 600 block of 23rd Place Southwest, less than half a mile from the Vero Beach Highlands Clubhouse. The quiet, tree-lined neighborhood is just north of Spanish Lakes Country Club retirement community in St. Lucie County.
Flowers asked for help from those who know the residents or have information about the homicide.
“We’re looking for additional investigative leads, anybody in the area who might have a Ring doorbell camera system, who was driving through the Highlands area, we’re looking for anybody who saw something in that time frame,” Flowers said. “If you happen to be in the area, whether it’s a newspaper carrier, somebody headed out to work early in the morning, those are the folks we’re looking for to come forward and be witnesses in this case.”
Deputies remained at the scene Sunday afternoon.
Sheriff’s Det. Kerrie Crawford is leading the investigation. Anyone with information about the homicide should call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 772-569-6700 and ask for Crawford. Callers can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a monetary reward by contacting Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS or tcwatch.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
