The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide in Ruskin.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, shortly after 8:00 a.m., a 911 caller advised that they drove by what appeared to be a mannequin on fire in an open field behind a residential area in the 1100 block of Will Scarlett Avenue.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to extinguish the flames and determined the subject was a deceased person. The victim was found with upper body trauma, and due to the severity of the burns, the body cannot be identified.
“This is a jarring scene,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “At this time, our deputies are doing everything they can to determine what happened to this person. We do believe this is an isolated incident, and we will continue to work tirelessly until we determine how this horrific crime occurred.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case, and the Public Affairs Office will release any additional details.