Murder and robbery cases still unsolved in North Fort Myers
Both a North Fort Myers murder investigation and a robbery were still open cases as of press time, with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigators and Southwest Florida CrimeStoppers looking for clues.
The body of a North Fort Myers man was found on Monday, July 11, at 8:18 a.m. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body found in a wooded area. Deputies responded to the scene located north of Brooks Road and on the east side of Business U.S. 41.
The victim has been identified as Tony Churchwell, 48, of 2020 Queen St., Apt. 29. His remains have been turned over to the District 21 Medical Examiner and an autopsy will be performed to confirm cause of death.
No official cause of death has been released.
On Wednesday, July 13, at 9:25 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a robbery. The incident occurred at 18301 Roberts Road, North Fort Myers. Deputies responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, deputies were told three men had fled with a flatscreen television and other property of the three victims. The men were armed with handguns and threatened the victims. During the robbery, one victim suffered non-life threatening injuries requiring treatment at a local hospital. A second victim sustained a minor injury and did not have to be taken to the hospital.
A search of the remote area was conducted by sheriff’s office K-9 Unit and members of the Aviation Unit. The three men were not located.
Due to the nature of the crime, detectives with the Robbery Unit are continuing the investigation. No other details have been released at this time.
Detectives are continuing the investigations.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 477-1000 or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, CrimeStoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may also be made online at: www.swflcrimestoppers.org, through the TipSubmit app on any iPhone or by texting CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.