A quiet North Port street turned into an active crime scene yesterday when a death at a home on Brassy Loop was later ruled a homicide, authorities said. Officers arrested 46-year-old Coy Bothwell, who now faces a charge of second-degree murder without premeditation. Police told nearby residents the case appears to be isolated and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
In a social media update, the North Port Police Department said the death occurred at the Brassy Loop residence and that Bothwell and the victim knew each other, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Chief Todd Garrison publicly praised the department's Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit, writing that their work put the suspect behind bars Sunday night.
Local station WWSB reported that police described the case as "an isolated incident" and noted that investigators have not yet released the victim's identity as they continue to gather evidence. The outlet added that the department emphasized there is no danger to the wider community. Officials have not said what led to the death or how Bothwell and the victim were connected beyond knowing one another.
Investigators: Few public details so far
Regional coverage of the developing case has underscored how little investigators are sharing publicly at this stage. Gulf Coast News Now reported that the arrest followed an active death investigation at the Brassy Loop home on Sunday and that detectives are still processing the scene and interviewing potential witnesses. Prosecutors and detectives are expected to release additional information as the investigation moves forward.
Legal note
Bothwell is charged with second-degree murder without premeditation, a Florida classification that covers unlawful killings that occur without a premeditated plan. State law defines second-degree murder as an unlawful killing "when perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind," and the offense carries severe penalties under Florida statutes. The Florida Legislature's statute details the full definition and potential penalties.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Port Police Department's non-emergency line at (941) 429-7300 or submit tips through the department's tip portal, according to the North Port Police Department. If a crime is in progress, call 911.
