INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A man’s heavily-decomposed body hidden in shrubbery was found Wednesday afternoon in the same area as a body found two days earlier, deputies said. Sheriff’s officials identified the man, but his name has not yet been released.
Detectives were working to notify next of kin for the newly discovered body.
“At this time, investigators have not determined whether the two deaths are related or are separate, unconnected incidents occurring in the same general area,” said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
“We understand two death investigations in close proximity may raise concern in the community. Our detectives are working diligently on both cases, and we will share updates as they become available.”
A fisherman reported finding the body about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 along the shoreline near the 14500 block of U.S. 1 in Sebastian. The body was on the east side of U.S. 1 and the Sebastian River Bridge, across the street from where the body of James Thompson was found on Monday.
“Thompson’s body was located on the southwest side. This new (body) was located on the southeast side,” Jaworski said.
It was not immediately clear if the body found Wednesday had trauma since it was heavily decomposed. The body was taken to the medical examiner’s office in Fort Pierce for an autopsy.
An autopsy was performed Tuesday on Thompson, with results pending.
Anyone with information on the deaths should contact the sheriff’s office at 772-569-6700. Callers can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS or tcwatch.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
No further information was immediately available.
