Acting Police Chief Says Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

The New Port Richey Acting Police Chief said Tuesday that the department is investigating the death of a man found in a vacant home behind a gas station as a homicide.

The body is that of a 48-year-old Hispanic male, said James Steffens to Patch. The man's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Steffens did not comment on the details of the incident itself. The St. Petersburg Times reports that Steffens said the man had trauma to body.

Police officers and Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies went to a residence at 7440 U.S. 19 around 5:30 p.m. Monday after .

The residence is behind a Citgo gas station, which is located at U.S. 19 and Belleview Avenue.

"This vacant house is a destination location for hanging out and narcotics use,” Steffens said to Patch. "Partying" was done there, he said.

This is the first homicide investigation of the year, Steffens said to Patch. There have been no arrests, he said. The body is being looked at by the state Medical Examiners Office to determine details of the death.

The police "are determined" to locate the suspect and arrest him or her, he said.

People with information pertinent to the case can call the department. The number is 727-841-4553.