Crime & Safety

Remains Found Off Cattlemen Road Identified

The identity of the man has been a mystery since September since workers stumbled across his remains.

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man whose remains were found in the 100 block of Cattlemen Road back in September.

According to the agency, photos of personal items found with the remains helped unravel the mystery. Deputies learned the man who owned the distinct items, including an ornate belt buckle and Gianni Velente Italian leather jacket, might have gone by the name “Chewy.” With that information in hand, they were able to track down a possible former roommate of the deceased man. The roommate provided information that enabled deputies to positively identity their victim as Fernando DeJesus Ramos Velasquez, 63, a media release from the agency stated.

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Velasquez’s identity was confirmed by comparing medical records and the skeletal remains, the sheriff’s office noted. The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office worked with Florida Gulf Coast University anthropologists to confirm his identity.

Just how Velasquez died, when and how he ended up in a wooded area off Cattlemen Road remain mysteries. Detectives are also still working to find the man’s next of kin. Anyone who knew Velasquez is asked to call Detective Tuck at 941-861-4339.

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Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

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