UPDATE, SUSPECT DEAD - Inverness well being check leads to discovery of deceased male and injured suspect
CCSO graphic.
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
November 25, 2023
Inverness, Florida - On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to an urgent well-being check at a residence in the area of Poe Street and Eden Drive in Inverness, in response to a report that a murder had possibly taken place there.
When deputies arrived on scene, they knocked on the front door and announced themselves, but there was no answer. Checking around the exterior of the home, patrol deputies observed a large butcher style knife on the ground in the back yard, along with blood, and drag marks. Deputies believed that a crime had been committed, as the complainant had feared.
Deputies entered the home and found the suspect, 75 year-old Jonathan Dimick, Senior, sitting in the living room of his home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his abdomen - alive, but unresponsive.
Emergency medical treatment was rendered to Mr. Dimick by members of Citrus County Fire Rescue, who transferred his care to the medical crew of a medical transport helicopter, which in turn transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
At Dimimck's home, deputies made the gruesome discovery of the dismembered body of 67 year-old James Banks, found in the trunk of his own vehicle.
"The scene our deputies responded to was absolutely shocking," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It is rare that a case this horrific occurs in Citrus County, but this is what we prepare for. It is truly unfortunate that our suspect will never be prosecuted for this brutal crime; however, thanks to the caller's courage and our team's quick response, Mr. Banks' family can begin their grieving process with the knowledge that no one will ever again suffer by the hands of Mr. Dimick."
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Inverness well being check leads to discovery of deceased male and injured suspect
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
November 23, 2023
Inverness, Florida - Early Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a home near Eden Drive in Inverness, to conduct an urgent well-being check. When units arrived on the scene, deputies could see evidence of foul play and they attempted to contact the homeowner, who is a suspect in the case.
When deputies made entry into the house, they found the suspect suffering from a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound to his abdominal area. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment. At the time of the press release, deputies were waiting for an update on his condition.
As deputies continued their search of the residence and property, they located the body of a deceased male inside the trunk of the suspect's vehicle.
Detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit and crime acene technicians obtained a search warrant and collected evidence to continue the investigation.
"Any death in our community is devastating," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "But it is especially tough to deliver the news that a loved one will not be able to join their families on a holiday. This is an ongoing investigation. We will release more information as it becomes available. However, thankfully, the men and women of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office - who serve this county 24/7 - have secured a suspect and ensured public safety."