Sebastian Crime Blotter: December 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 ...

Phone, clothing left behind helps police nab Mulligan’s robbery suspect

VERO BEACH — A phone with text messages and calls to a getaway driver and a Mulligan's employee, along with DNA extracted from a mask, helped detectives make an arrest in the armed robbery of a beachside restaurant that occurred in mid-August. Officers said the suspect left behind his phone, mask, and other items during his escape. After the robbery, the suspect met up with the Mulligan's employee at a barbecue in Gifford, reports show. Police on Wednesday arrested Sederick Maurice Upton, 43, of the 2400 block of 42nd Street, Gifford, on charges of robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping or false imprisonment and burglary with assault. Upton was held Saturday at the Indian River ...