Investigators believe a homicide discovered Sunday night in Hudson was drug-related, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
The body of a man identified as 26-year-old Francis Soto was discovered at his home on the 12000 block of Bear Claw Loop. Soto was a known drug dealer and was selling drugs out of the home, investigators said.
According to the sheriff's office, Soto invited someone inside around 7:30 p.m. and that person, whom investigators are trying to locate, shot and killed him.
Sheriff Chriss Nocco called the homicide in the quiet Beacon Woods neighborhood an isolated incident.
"He's a high-probability victim," Nocco said of Soto. "When you're dealing drugs, when you're involved in the game, you have a long criminal record and ... there's a high probability you are going to become a victim at some point. That's what happened last night."
Nocco said that at one point, Soto was a known associate of the Juggalos, who are fans of the rap group Insane Clown Posse. The Juggalos were classified as a gang by the FBI in 2011.
Off-camera, neighbors told Bay News 9 Soto and the people staying at the house caused trouble in the neighborhood. One woman said she called deputies at least 100 times over the past few years to report disturbances at Soto's home.
Investigators said two other people were home at the time of the shooting and are cooperating. Anyone else with relevant information should contact the sheriff's office.