HCSO detectives have conducted an death investigation at 1915 Erin Brooke Dr. in Valrico. Detectives say that the incident is not a random act of violence.
The discovery of a Valrico man’s body found dead inside his residence last month has understandably upset many neighbors and area residents, who, upon hearing the news, may have been wondering about the their own safety.
But, while the investigation continues and, likely will for some time, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) directives told reporters that they do not believe the incident is a random act of violence targeting a neighborhood and that the victim is actually known to the suspect.
“The victim knew the suspect and HCSO is following up on intelligence so far gathered from the scene and the victim’s family,” detective Larry McKinnon said.
According to the initial report provided through a media release, on March 27, at approximately 4:20 p.m., deputies responded to a call, what at first was suspected to be a burglary of the residence located at 1915 Erin Brooke Dr. in Valrico.
Deputies said that when Linda Partin and her son Samuel Partin, Jr. arrived home and entered the residence they thought someone had burglarized the residence and immediately exited, called and waited for deputies to arrive.
Upon arrival and following a search of the home the Sheriff’s deputy discovered Samuel Lee Partin, 62, dead in one of the bedrooms, deputies said.
The family never entered the residence any farther than the front part of the house and immediately exited, deputies said.
After securing a search warrant, homicide detectives arrived to the Erin Brooke Dr. home and entered the residence to conduct the investigation, after which the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of the body to determine the cause of death.
According to McKinnon, preliminary indications show that Partin suffered trauma to the upper torso.
“We do not believe that the incident is a random act and the victim is known to the suspect,” McKinnon said, but added that the department is waiting for a conclusive cause of death and that the investigation continues.
Due to the ongoing investigation, HCSO was not able to reveal further information about the suspect, but say that they are confident an arrest will be made soon.
For more information, please visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
