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UPS driver finds body in Jupiter Farms yard; detectives are investigating case as a homicide

Victim was shot
Posted at 12:16 PM, Oct 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-18 11:26:32-04

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said a UPS driver found a body lying in a yard Monday morning while delivering a package in Jupiter Farms.

RELATED: More photos from the scene 

At 10:40 a.m., the driver was delivering a package in the 12000 block of 179th Court N.

 

That’s when the driver spotted what appeared to be an injured man lying in the front yard of a residence, prompting a call to 911.

When deputies and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue arrived, they determined the man had been shot and was dead. 

PBSO detectives are investigating the case as a homicide.

They have identified the victim as 63-year-old David Middleton.

The sheriff's office says there is no motive or suspect at this time. Investigators do not believe there is any threat to the community.  

Residents say it was unsettling to watch this crime scene unfold in broad daylight. 

"That's scary out here because we do get stuff happening but nothing crazy like that," said neighbor Shawn Budd. "So, it makes you wonder what's going on, especially during the daytime."

"I'm shocked because it's a low key neighborhood, not much stuff goes on here," said neighbor Andrew Vins. 

A criminal record search shows Middleton had no criminal history aside from minor traffic citations.

Records also show he owned a business in the food service industry which dissolved less than a month ago.

Friends of Middleton stopped by the home Monday.

Nelson Scheerer said he knew Middleton for 10 years.

“He was very gentle. He’s just not the kind of guy that would hurt anybody,” Scheerer said.

Now, he's trying to grasp why someone would target Middleton.

“Dave always paid his bills, he never stole. He’s not that kind of a guy.”

 

The department urges anyone with information to call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.