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According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the body discovered Monday in a North Fort Myers home has been positively identified as that of Vincent Raymond Antonucci, 61. The positive identification was made through latent prints.

The missing person case has now become a homicide investigation, deputies said. The cause of death is not being released at this time.

Deputies began their investigation Monday when a close friend and business partner of Antonucci reported him missing. A search warrant was executed at Antonucci’s home at 17601 Williamsburg Drive, and after a thorough inspection of the house, deputies reported finding a body within the dwelling.

The state of decomposition of the remains required positive identification through one or more means such as fingerprints, dental records or DNA during the autopsy process, authorities said. The Lee County Medical Examiners Office conducted the autopsy.

Antonucci is a dog breeder who raises “yorkies” at his home. The initial inspection of the property revealed 38 well-cared for dogs. They have been temporarily relocated for their safety and well being.

Detectives are looking for a person who was seen at Antonucci’s residence shortly before Antonucci was reported missing. The man is described as tall and thin, with very light colored hair, like brown to dirty blonde. The man is in his late 30s or early 40s, is believed to be a transient and is known to wear glasses on occasion.

Sheriff’s detectives are interested in speaking with the man. If you know who he is or his whereabouts, call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 477-1000 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS.