Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide at a homeless camp in the 3700 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.
On Friday, December 1, 2023, deputies received a tip from a person who claimed to have first-hand knowledge about a homicide that happened two weeks earlier, and details about a man believed to have committed the murder. Through investigative means, detectives located 59-year-old Stephen Astbury Jr., who resides in the homeless camp. He was taken into custody on an unrelated charge while detectives gathered more information.
Following an in-depth interview with a witness, detectives were led to the spot in the homeless camp where a body was buried. Last evening (12/4/23), detectives dug about a foot into the ground and came across a bag with a body inside. The victim is believed to be a 64-year-old man who also stayed in the homeless camp. The victim’s name is being withheld pending Marsy’s Law.
Detectives believe Astbury and the victim were involved in a disagreement prior to the killing. Murder charges are forthcoming.