The Citrus County Sheriff's Office on Monday identified human remains that were found this weekend in Homosassa.
Authorities said that Ryan McClellan's remains were found Saturday.
- Human remains found in trash can
- Remains are those of Ryan McClellan
- Trash can left during the week of Irma
The case is being treated as a homicide, the Sheriff's Office said, adding there was a trauma to McClellan's upper body.
Deputies said the trash can was discovered in a wooded area near American Avocet Pt.
Sheriff: Ryan McClellan has been identified as the man found in the trash can in Citrus County. @BN9
— Kim Leoffler (@kimleoffler) November 27, 2017
McClellan lived just a few blocks from where he was found.
"Deputies that worked that area near his home had been instructed by our chief detective to keep an eye out for anything that's out of the ordinary in that area," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "We are now conducting an investigation to this case as an active homicide investigation, and the major crimes unit is following several promising leads and will continue to follow every lead until the perpetrator is identified and brought to justice."
Residents told investigators the trash can had been in the wooded area since Sept. 11, the week of Hurricane Irma.
Lynn Trotter, who lives nearby, said she and her neighbors were shaken by the discovery and the crime.
"This is such a quiet place," Trotter said. "We've never had no problems out here. We're surrounded by woods. I think we all freaked out."
Anyone with information is asked to call 352-726-1121 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS (269-8477).