TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) —Deputies opened a homicide investigation Tuesday morning after finding body in Thonotosassa.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they found the body after responding to a call about a person down on Thonotosassa Road shortly before 8 a.m.
The sheriff’s office said the victim, a man, suffered “upper body trauma.”
James McEwen goes fishing weekly out of the Baker Creek Public Boat Ramp off Thonotosassa Road.
“I’m just getting out from the lake,” said McEwen. “I ain’t know what was going on until I pull up here and see the crime scene.”
News Channel 8’s helicopter, Eagle 8, flew over the scene and saw multiple law enforcement agency vehicles and evidence markers surrounding an SUV.
“I see the helicopters and everything and I didn’t think it was out here because that truck wasn’t here when I came out here this morning,” said McEwen.
News Channel 8 crews on the scene could see blood on an SUV found near the man’s body as well as dozens of evidence markers that surrounded the area as investigators learn what led up to his death.
“I ain’t never seen nothing like that out here,” he said. “I hope they find out what happened.”
McEwen also said that he won’t go to the boat ramp early in the morning or late at night when it’s dark because there is no lights in the area.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who knows anything about the man’s death to call detectives at 813-247-8200.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates and download the free News Channel 8 app to receive breaking news alerts.
