Vero Beach police investigating homicide in the 600 block of Fiddlewood Road

VERO BEACH, Fla. - The Vero Beach Police Department has identified the victim in an apparent homicide Thursday evening at 620 Fiddlewood Road.

Several 911 calls were made before 7 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing a loud banging noise near the residence.  

Responding police officers found the homeowner, identified as Brian L. Simpson, 41, dead inside. Investigators say there was evidence of a burglary.

Much of the 600 block of Fiddlewood Road remained blocked off to traffic and was cordoned off by crime scene tape Friday.  Several agencies, including the Vero Beach Police Department and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, were on the scene.  Neighbors were being interviewed by investigators.  It is unclear how Simpson died or if the search is on for any suspect or suspects.

Fiddlewood Road is in a barrier island neighborhood just west of State Road A1A.  The home where the Simpson's body was discovered is directly across the street from Christ By The Sea United Methodist Church.  No one inside the church was available for comment about what had happened.  

Detectives said they are actively investigating several leads and are hoping that members of the public may be able to provide more information about what may have happened on Saturday evening.

Anyone with information about this homicide case is asked to call Vero Beach Police at 772-978-4600.