MELBOURNE, Fla. — A murder investigation is underway at the River Palm Hotel in Melbourne, police said.
Police said around 11 a.m. Saturday, a staff member at the hotel located a dead person in one of the rooms.
Investigators said they identified the body as Michael Sumner.
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Officials said Sumner was a resident of the hotel for the last few months.
During the investigation, police were notified that Sumner’s truck was missing.
Investigators said Sumner shared the truck with his business partner.
The truck was last seen at the hotel, and investigators said it was being driven by Kevin Doswell, who knew Sumner.
The owner of the truck requested it to be listed as stolen and supported the prosecution of whomever took the vehicle, police said.
A be on the lookout alert was then issued for the truck.
Around 11:15 a.m. Sunday, officers said they saw the truck in the parking lot of the Cumberland Farms Store at 440 S. Wickham Road.
Officers said they located Doswell, who was sitting in the driver’s seat.
Officials said Doswell initially resisted officers’ efforts to detain him but he was ultimately taken into custody.
While Doswell was speaking with officers, he became agitated and struck one of the detectives, police said.
Investigators said they believe Doswell is a person of interest in the homicide of Sumner.
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