STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A body was found following an extensive search in Martin County, but the sheriff’s office could not confirm whether it was that of a man reported missing Aug. 26.
On Tuesday, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced that a body had been recovered from deep within the mangroves near the House of Refuge.
During a news conference, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said a Good Samaritan found a wallet Saturday belonging to Michael Anthony Debevec. In an attempt to return the wallet, the Good Samaritan went to Debevec’s home, which ultimately led his family to file a missing person report.
Budensiek said investigators later found Debevec’s vehicle Saturday afternoon at Chastain Beach, a little more than two miles from where the body was discovered. The discovery of the wallet and vehicle prompted detectives and ground and aerial units to launch an extensive search.
Investigators determined that Debevec traveled from the Port St. Lucie area to Martin County at about 3 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, and parked at Chastain Beach. Phone records showed that his phone was in use Friday morning and moving back and forth between Chastain Beach and the House of Refuge.
On Tuesday morning, investigators found a backpack belonging to Debevec hanging high in a tree with his computer inside. A deeper search into the mangroves led investigators to a body.
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Budensiek said investigators had not officially confirmed whether the body was Debevec’s, but the deceased person was wearing clothing matching what Debevec was believed to have been wearing.
“So we do believe we found Mr. Debevec. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of decomposition that’s taken place so it’s really impossible to determine cause of death. What are we dealing with here? I don’t know?” Budensiek said.
Debevec’s family was notified that a body was found.