03/11/2022
UPDATE - MARCH 17, 2022:
The Sarasota Police Department is continuing its ongoing investigation into two suspicious deaths that are both classified as homicides. The Sarasota Police Department continues to share with the community it is too early in the investigation to know if these cases are related. The priority of the Sarasota Police Department is to give families who have their lost loved ones justice and find those responsible.
The first death investigation began on February 25, 2022. A woman, age 48, of Sarasota, was found dead near the Centennial Park boat ramp, 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The second death investigation began on March 10, 2022. A woman, age 59, of Sarasota, was found dead near the 1900 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, near the shore of Whitaker Bayou.
It’s unknown if the two women knew one another or if the suspect or suspects knows the victims. The victim from the February 25th case was an unhoused citizen. The victim from the March 10th case was in between living with family members and was in the process of receiving housing.
This week, Sarasota Police detectives and officers have worked diligently and tirelessly to collect evidence, speak with possible witnesses, and follow up on dozens of tips and leads that have been received. On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Sarasota Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) was activated to search for evidence not far from the North Tamiami Trail corridor. Photos of that search were shared on Sarasota Police Department social media.
The City of Sarasota Homeless Outreach Team, which is comprised of case managers and Sarasota Police officers, has been conducting increased patrols and outreach throughout the community to offer services to those individuals who are interested. Citizens interested in receiving services can contact the Homeless Outreach Team at 941-374-2404 or 941-387-5744. The Sarasota Police Department Community Action Team and officers with the Patrol Division continue to reallocate resources throughout the City of Sarasota, including the North Tamiami Trail corridor.
“We want to remind our community, especially those who may be in between housing or are unhoused, they need to remain vigilant,” said Interim Chief Rex Troche. “Until we’ve made arrests in these cases, this remains a top priority for our agency. We want citizens to remain vigilant and always be aware of their surroundings,” said Troche.
The Sarasota Police Department continues to encourage residents and visitors to call law enforcement immediately if something seems suspicious or out of the ordinary. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com Video of a news conference held by Interim Chief Troche from March 11, 2022, about these cases can be viewed on the Sarasota Police Department YouTube page at https://youtu.be/g8gZBDpXFgI
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MARCH 11, 2022 - The Sarasota Police Department is conducting two death investigations that are considered suspicious and are both classified as homicide investigations.
The first death investigation began Friday, February 25, 2022. An adult woman, age 48, of Sarasota, was found dead near the Centennial Park boat ramp, 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, just before 5 p.m. The woman’s death is considered suspicious and is now classified as a homicide investigation.
The second death investigation began Thursday, March 10, 2022. A second adult woman, age 59, of Sarasota, was found dead near the 1900 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, near the shore of Whitaker Bayou, just before 4 p.m. The woman’s death is considered suspicious and is now classified as a homicide.
It’s unknown if the two women knew one another or if the suspect or suspects knows the victims. The identities of the women are protected under Marsy’s Law. Additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding these deaths are under investigation. As information becomes available, the Sarasota Police Department will release it to the public but certain details cannot be released at this time to safeguard the investigation.
Increased patrols by police officers are happening throughout the City of Sarasota including along North Tamiami Trail. Residents and visitors are asked to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. As always, if you see something suspicious, say something and contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with any information on these cases is asked to contact the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or CrimeStoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous.
A news conference that was held Friday afternoon with Interim Chief Rex Troche can now be viewed on the Sarasota Police Department YouTube page at https://youtu.be/g8gZBDpXFgI
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