Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives received official notification Tuesday that the cause and manner of death of Eric Danzell Humbert Jr., was of homicide by blunt force trauma and sharp force injuries.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the University of Florida C.A. Pound Lab and the Medical Examiner’s Office for the Fifth Judicial District all contributed forensic evidence that collectively led to this conclusion.
Humbert’s remains were recovered in Dunnellon on Aug. 20, 2016, by members of the MCSO Field Force Unit in a wooded area north of the intersection of SW 162nd Terrace and SW 36th Street. Humbert was previously reported missing by his family on Aug. 14, 2016, and then listed as Missing Endangered by the MCSO. Humbert’s remains were found during a search that was initiated because of his disappearance.
Investigators are pursing active leads, and have teamed up with FDLE’s DNA lab, the UF C.A. Pound Lab, the Medical Examiner’s Office and State Attorney’s Office to bring this case to closure. If you have any information on this case, please call Detective Larry McArdle at 352-368-3535. Citizens can also phone anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. For Crime Stoppers, please reference 17-18 in your tip. Also for Crime Stoppers, if your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for an award of up to $1,000.