Body found in St. Lucie tent encampment ruled homicide, deputies searching for man

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate an unhoused man who could have information about a homicide.

The sheriff’s office said deputies responded Monday at about 10:20 a.m. to Rolyat Street after receiving reports of a dead body found inside a tent encampment.

After the body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office, the death was ruled a homicide. Deputies said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Law enforcement officials said residents should expect a continued law enforcement presence around Okeechobee Road and Rolyat Street as detectives and crime scene investigators continue processing evidence.

The sheriff’s office said it is actively searching for 30-year-old Zachary Ryan Edwards, who is believed to be unhoused. Deputies said Edwards was last seen about a week ago in the area of Okeechobee Road and Rolyat Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SLCSO Detective Cpl. D. Felix at 772-462-3261.