Detectives investigating the homicide of a woman whose nude body was found on Monday in the Intracoastal Waterway in Seminole said their prime suspect is dead.
According to deputies, Charlie Enice Brooks (Madison), 36, was found floating behind a residence near 5403 Oakhurst Drive in Seminole.
Through their investigation, detectives named Joseph C. Krymowski-Pope, 36, a suspect in the murder. Pope was found dead at his Seminole home, located two houses away from the discovery of Brooks, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Detectives learned that Brooks flew into Tampa International Airport from Ft. Morgan, Colorado on Sunday to visit Pope, who was said to be her childhood friend.
When questioned about his relationship to Brooks, Pope denied knowing her or having her at his house. However, neighbors told detectives they saw Brooks enter Pope's residence around 7 a.m. on Sunday.
Before serving a search warrant at Pope's home, a woman, identified as Pope's sister, reportedly ran from his home early Tuesday morning stating her brother was dead on the side of the house.
Numerous pieces of evidence were located near and inside Pope's home including two trash bags containing a bloody rock, sheets, gloves, and clothing, detectives said.
Brooks had blunt force injuries to her head, which detectives believe was caused by the same rock found full of blood at Pope's house.
Blood was also located in and around Pope's residence, officials said.
The Medical Examiner's Office report is still pending.