Update to Homicide Investigation

NEWS RELEASE #: 16-139

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the homicide of 48-year-old David Morse, who was struck and killed by a bullet, on May 16, in the front yard of his Sarasota home.

Based on the initial investigation, detectives believe the source of the bullet that killed Morse originated from the residence located at 4632 N. Shade Avenue, while a person was shooting a firearm in the direction of a wooden fence on the rear of the property. Several bullets were recovered from the scene including the bullet that struck and killed Morse, two bullets that struck a residence in the 2000 block of Golf Course Drive, and two bullets as well as several .22 caliber shell casings in the rear lawn of 4632 N. Shade Avenue.

An initial ballistics report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) indicated the bullet recovered from Morse's body came from a .22 caliber weapon. Detectives collected two .22 caliber weapons from the residence at 4632 N. Shade Avenue, one of which was purchased on the day of Morse's death. According to the ballistics report, due to the condition of the bullet, FDLE is unable to "identify nor eliminate" the bullet as being fired from the .22 caliber weapon seized from 4632 N. Shade Avenue.

This is an active investigation and while detectives continue to analyze evidence, they are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Dave Tuck at 861-4939.