Belt Buckle May Offer Clue to Dead Man's Identity

While the identity of the person found dead off Cattlemen Road in Sarasota last week continues to elude authorities, a few things have been learned about the deceased.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the person is a man, possibly about age 45, but he could be as old as 60. The cause of the man’s death remains unknown, but the sheriff’s office says the man was a sharp dresser. Items found in his possession indicate he took pride in his appearance.

Those items include nail clippers, two black combs and a container of Mennen Speed Stick deodorant. Investigators also say the man was wearing a pair of Wrangler jeans, size 29 x 30, at the time of his death, Timberland boots and a medium Gianni Velente Italian leather jacket.

See Also:

• Human Skull Found Off Cattlemen Road

On Tuesday morning, the sheriff’s office released evidence photos of a few of the more distinct items found in the man’s possession. They include an alligator leather belt, a Motorola flip phone and a rather unique belt buckle.

As for details about the man’s life, authorities have uncovered a few as well. It seems he had broken a few bones in the past. The Medical Examiner’s Office found evidence of healed fractures on his ribs and the second toe on his left foot. Authorities also say the man suffered from gout. Most of his teeth were intact and he had no apparent dental restoration work completed.

Exactly when the man died has been narrowed down a bit, as well.

“A 2012 penny was found in his pocket, so the death occurred since that time,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media.

Authorities believe the man may have been lying in the area off Cattlemen Road where workers found him on Sept. 16 since the winter of 2013-14.

As detectives continue to work to identify the man, they’re hoping someone will recognize the items he had in his possession. Anyone with information about who the man might be is asked to call the Criminal Investigations division at 941-861-4900.

Photos courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office