The body of Terry Plumeri, 70, an award-winning musician and composer, was discovered in his rented Dunnellon home Friday.

Plumeri's body showed signs of "extensive upper body trauma," and a homicide investigation is underway, Citrus County detectives said.

Investigators said the house, which was in a rural area, had been broken into and ransacked, similar to several other burglaries that recently happened in the area.

He'd been performing since he was a teenager. Friend Mel Toledo said that's what brought them together.

"I played with him back in '61, so that's how we met," Toledo said.

Toledo said he and Plumeri were friends for more than 50 years. He watched as Plumeri rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a multi-platinum and gold recording artist, working with musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Roberta Flack.

"That's all he thought about was music," he said.

Plumeri was best known for his work as a composer and conductor, writing scores to more than 50 feature films. He also performed at famed venues such as Carnegie Hall and recently conducted Moscow's Philharmonic Orchestra.

"He was beyond what most artists do, if you know what I mean. He was, he just did everything, found things to do harder than it should be and succeeded at it,” Toledo said.

Toledo said Plumeri was living in Citrus County because it was quiet and allowed him to focus on his music. He was still writing and composing and looking forward to more performances.
 
"To the world, it's a big loss, because he was great here and in Russia and everywhere,” Toledo said.

During his career, Plumeri was nominated for Best Score by the Spirit Awards, which honors independent films.


The Citrus County Sheriff's Office released a map showing the locations of 12 recent daytime burglaries that have happened in the county. (Citrus County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators say they've seen a trend in daytime burglaries where suspects are breaking into homes, many of which are in rural areas, and stealing guns, jewelry, cash and other items. The burglaries started in January and have continued.

Citrus County alone has seen 12 of these home invasions and burglaries.

Sheriff Jeff Dawsy is urging residents to keep their doors locked all day and to set alarm systems if possible.

"It is not known at this time if the burglaries are related to the homicide, but in an abundance of caution, I'm urging all of our residents to take this advisory seriously and report all suspicious activity immediately to 911," Dawsy said. "Lock your doors, leave outside lights on at night, set alarm systems, and if you see something, say something."

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incidents. Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 can call Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS or by visiting www.crimestopperscitrus.com.