Homicide at Bradenton homeless camp under investigation: MCSO
Stephen Astbury mugshot courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
BRADENTON, Fla. - A transient who deputies say they believe got into an argument with a man recently found dead and buried at a Bradenton homeless camp has been arrested on unrelated charges.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, deputies received a tip from a person who claimed to have first-hand knowledge about a homicide that happened two weeks earlier, and details about a man believed to have committed the murder.
Detectives arrested Stephen Astbury Jr., 59, who lives at the homeless camp, while deputies continued to investigate.
After speaking in-depth with a witness, detectives say they were led to a spot in the homeless camp where a body was buried. On Monday evening, detectives say they dug about a foot into the ground and found a bag with a body inside.
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The victim is believed to be a 64-year-old man who also stayed in the homeless camp.
Stephen Astbury Jr., 59, awho lived at the homeless camp, was taken into custody on unrelated charges.
Detectives say they believe Astbury and the victim were involved in a disagreement before the killing.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, murder charges are forthcoming.