Local

Father of six found dead in Palm Bay home

PALM BAY, Fla. — Homicide investigators are still at the Palm Bay home where a father of six was found dead in Brevard County.

Efrain Santiago's body was discovered Thursday night inside his home on Shwonda Avenue.

Police said there were signs of struggle and are investigating the case as a homicide.

Crime scene technicians were on Shwonda Avenue for a second day to retrieve evidence from inside and outside Santiago's home, even sifting through his trash.

A friend said they found his body on the floor Thursday.

One of Santiago's neighbors believes she may have heard arguing around midnight. She did not want to be identified.

"I heard raucous arguing, loud name calling, cursing, and my dogs woke me up," she said.

She said she didn't call anyone about the disturbance and regrets it.

"I just went on and went in the living room and minded my own business. I feel bad that I did that now. I was going to stick my head out to see what was going on. But, it was so much ruckus I thought I shouldn't," the neighbor said.

The neighbor and Santiago's friends said he was a sweet person with a big heart.

Police are trying to figure out who killed the 38-year-old father.

"Our detectives are very interested in speaking to anyone who had contact with him on Wednesday or any prior time during the week," said Yvonne Martinez with Palm Bay police.

That information could help detectives figure out what lead to Santiago's death.