St. Johns County deputies investigate 'suspicious' death in Ponte Vedra Beach

Authorities find person dead behind Target on A1A near JTB

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating a death they are calling suspicious near the Duval-St. Johns County line Sunday night.

Investigators said it happened in a part of the woods behind the Target shopping center off A1A, that's frequented by the homeless.

"Sometime later this afternoon after 5 p.m., we responded to this area and found the individual deceased," said St. Johns County Sheriff Cpl. Catherine Payne. "This has been an active transient camp for quite some time."

Authorities didn't say if those involved were homeless or not. They surveyed the scene, took pictures for hours, and and questioned witnesses, saying there is no threat to the people who live around here.

"We do have several witnesses in custody as well as several suspects, and at this point of time investigators are just trying to talk to everybody and find out what occurred," said Cpl. Catherine Payne.

"This is the first time I saw the cop cars, and you know I was going to church. Seeing it is not something I'm used to down here in Ponte Vedra," said Dylan Richmond.

For Richmond, the scene was surprising but it won't stop him from coming back to the area.

"I mean I'm not worried about it, but it is startling to think that could happen in a place I felt was somewhat secure," Richmond said.

Sgt. Chuck Mulligan said investigators are not searching for a suspect, but did not release any further information.