No Signs Of 'Homicidal Violence' In Teacher’s Death: Manatee Sheriff

PARRISH, FL — A Manatee County teacher who was missing for a week was found dead Sunday morning near his Parrish home, authorities said.

Justin Darr, 39, was reported missing Jan. 10 by his family, who said they hadn’t heard from him in days at the time. They were worried that “he could be in some type of trouble,” according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Deputies found his home in the 4000 block of Cottage Hill Avenue unoccupied and saw that his pets hadn’t been cared for “in some time,” the agency said. His vehicle was also parked at the home.

Family members told investigators that it was “extremely out of character for him” to not contact them.

Detectives are investigating, as the cause of death is unknown pending toxicology reports, as of Tuesday afternoon.

There were “no obvious signs of trauma at the scene,” MCSO said.

The Medical Examiner’s autopsy also found “no signs of homicidal violence,” the agency added.

Darr taught physical education at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch, the Observer Media Group reported.

Crisis counselors are available at the school Tuesday, according to WTSP.

His neighbors told ABC 7 that many in the community turned out to search the area for him. His body was found on undeveloped land not far from his home.

“I don’t walk around fearful. I just, you know, feel really bad for his family. We see each other out walking frequently and it’s just a sad situation all around,” Holly Paulsboe, one of his neighbors, said.