ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Sheriff Richard Del Toro said detectives have identified a person of interest in the homicide of Antwan Daniels, 51, whose body was found in a burned home Nov. 28 on South Market Avenue.
The man, who is wanted in St. Lucie County for questioning in the case, is also wanted in Philadelphia on a warrant in connection to a homicide there, he said Dec. 18 at the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives in both areas are working together to find the man, Del Toro said. An arrest warrant has not been issued for the 31-year-old man in St. Lucie County.
At the time of the fire, Del Toro said the medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt trauma to the head and smoke inhalation, and that he suspected the fire was set by the person responsible for the death. Witnesses said they saw a person flee the home and make a couple suspicious statements, he said.
Del Toro said the man is “armed and extremely dangerous” and he believes he knew Daniels, but would not go into detail on how they knew each other. He said the South Market Avenue residence was intentionally set on fire.
Del Toro described the man as 5-foot 10 inches tall, clean shaven, with multiple tattoos on his body, face and neck. He has black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen in St. Lucie County on Nov. 29 in front of Bentonwood Mobile Home Park, 6143 U.S. 1, in Fort Pierce. His current whereabouts are unknown.
“We believe he was given a ride to Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida that same evening, based on witness testimony,” Del Toro said. “We believe he may be attempting to return to the Philadelphia area via commercial bus.”
Residents were advised to call 911 instead of approaching him or call a detective with the Sheriff’s Office at 772-462-3261 or 772-462-3602. An anonymous tip can also be submitted to 1-800-273-8477.
(This story was updated with new information and video.)
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Olivia Franklin is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Olivia on X @Livvvvv_5 or reach her by phone at 317-627-8048. E-mail her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: SLC sheriff says detectives identified ‘person of interest’ in homicide
Reporting by Olivia Franklin, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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