Laptop Leads Deputies to Man's Body

When residents found a laptop computer sitting near a pond in the Golf Lakes Estates Mobile Home Park Monday night, they called Manatee County deputies out to investigate.

Deputies arrived at the 5000 5th St. E. park in Bradenton around 7:40 p.m. and came across a few other curious sights. A duffle bag that appeared to be resting on something in the pond was also found and deputies noticed tire tracks leading into the water, an email to media from the sheriff’s office stated.

The county’s dive team was called in and subsequently found a vehicle submerged in the pond. They also found the body of Michael J. McDonald, 26, near that vehicle.

“Detectives learned that a tow truck was dispatched to the scene earlier in the evening but left after not seeing anyone around,” the email said. “Detectives believe the victim may have accidentally drowned while trying to retrieve some personal items from the vehicle.”

The case remains under investigation.

Image via Shutterstock