Body buried under dirt mound in rural Marion County ‘suspicious,’ deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies say that a man’s body that was found under a dirt mound in Dunnellon is “suspicious,” but they haven’t said much else.

Deputies said the tip came through on Saturday about possible human remains being buried behind a home in the Highlands. On Tuesday, detectives announced a man’s body was found, but they haven’t confirmed the address.

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A report redacted the property’s address, a person who deputies questioned and other details.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation and just make sure that our detectives and deputies are able to do a thorough investigation and clear the entire piece of property so we want to make sure they’re able to do that without interference,” said Cecelia Koon with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

An incident report states the body was found “under a mound of dirt," but Koon wouldn’t comment on the person’s identity, how long he was there or any obvious signs of how the man died, but did say it is being considered a “serious investigation.”

No arrests have been made.

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The report says an unnamed person told deputies the mound was the result of a “new burn pit” that was dug about three weeks ago.

Deputies would not say if they have identified the man or have named a suspect in the case. They also declined to state whether the property owner is cooperating with investigators.

Investigators said the investigation is active and ongoing.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 352-368-3596 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP.

“Even if you’re not sure if it’s relevant or not please reach out. It might be the missing piece that we need,” said Marion County PIO Cecelia Koon.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for updates.

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