DeLAND, Fla. — A Volusia County grand jury has indicted a DeLand man on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Joseph Daniel Spruck.
DeLand police said officers found Spruck dead inside his East Tall Pine Terrace home on May 18 after relatives reported being unable to reach him for several days. The medical examiner determined he died from blunt-force trauma to the head. Investigators also reported finding defensive wounds on his arms and hands.
Police said Spruck’s gray Kia SUV was missing from his home but was located later that evening at the Orange Tree Inn.
Officers arrested Austin Kersey, 27, after they saw him approach the vehicle, according to police. Investigators said searches uncovered 28.2 grams of crack cocaine and cannabis, leading to drug charges. Kersey was also accused of violating probation.
The grand jury voted unanimously Aug. 6 to indict Kersey. Police served the warrant while he was being held at the Volusia County correctional facility on the other charges.
Kersey remains jailed without bond while awaiting trial.
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