The body found shot execution style in St. Lucie County nearly 40 years ago has finally been identified, authorities announced on Monday. The victim, identified as Blaine Louis Brown Jr., was discovered bound and fatally shot multiple times on October 7, 1986, in a grove area southwest of Selvitz Road on Ralls Road. This discovery echoes other recent incidents, such as the body discovered along a roadside in St. Lucie, highlighting ongoing concerns in the community.
Cold Case Identification in St. Lucie County
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office cold case unit positively identified the victim as Blaine Louis Brown Jr., who was 39 years old at the time of his death. Known by the nickname “Bunny,” Brown was initially found without identification and remained a John Doe for decades.
At the time of the crime, robbery was ruled out as a motive. Brown was discovered with a substantial amount of cash in his pockets and wearing expensive clothing, including Jordache jeans, a Hennessy signature button-down shirt, and Nocona cowboy boots.
DNA Technology Helps Solve St. Lucie County Cold Case
In 2019, Detective Paul Taylor reopened the investigation using new technology and funding provided by the Florida Sheriff’s Association’s Cold Case Advisory Commission. Initial DNA analysis yielded only a partial profile, prompting further investigation and a court-authorized exhumation of Brown’s remains in 2020.
Despite these efforts, sufficient DNA for forensic genetic genealogy wasn’t obtained until March 2024, when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement approved advanced testing by Othram, a lab specializing in degraded DNA samples.
Genealogy Leads to Victim’s Identification
On January 8, 2025, genealogy reports identified potential first cousins of the victim. Subsequent contact with family members, including a half-brother in Ohio, confirmed Brown’s identity through DNA testing.
Victim’s Background and Last Known Movements
Blaine Louis Brown Jr. was reported missing to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on the same day his body was discovered in Fort Pierce. According to family accounts, Brown was last seen on September 26, 1986, informing his wife and two sons that he was traveling to Miami for horse-related business.
Brown was the owner of Double B Farms, Inc., a horse ranch in Ocala, Florida, and also operated Brown’s Fine Furniture in the same city. His leased 1986 gray Ford pickup truck was later found abandoned in a Miami parking lot.
Possible Connections to Narcotics Smuggling
Interviews with Brown’s family members revealed he may have been involved in narcotics smuggling. Authorities noted his connections to Ocala, Miami, Fort Pierce, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the 1980s.
Authorities Continue Search for Suspects
Sheriff Richard Del Toro praised Detective Taylor and retired State Attorney Bruce Colton for their dedication to the case. “Their relentless pursuit of the truth and years of investigative work have brought us closer to justice for Blaine Brown Jr. and his family,” Del Toro stated.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate and urges anyone with information to contact Detective Paul Taylor at (772) 359-4407 or via email at taylorp@stluciesheriff.com. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Found in St. Lucie County
What happened to the body found in St. Lucie County in 1986?
The body found in 1986 was identified as Blaine Louis Brown Jr., who was shot execution style. His identity remained unknown until advanced DNA testing confirmed it nearly 40 years later.
Where was Blaine Louis Brown Jr. found?
Blaine Louis Brown Jr. was found in a grove area about a quarter mile southwest of Selvitz Road on Ralls Road in St. Lucie County.
How was Blaine Louis Brown Jr. identified after so long?
Advanced DNA testing and forensic genealogy conducted by specialized labs helped authorities finally identify Brown nearly four decades after his death.
Was robbery the motive behind Brown’s killing?
No, robbery was ruled out as a motive since Brown was found with cash and expensive clothing. Authorities are still investigating other possible motives.
Can the public help solve this St. Lucie County cold case?
Yes, anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Paul Taylor or submit anonymous tips through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.
Recent cases, such as the body recovered from a St. Lucie County pond identified as a local man, underscore the importance of community involvement in solving these mysteries.
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For more updates on crime investigations in the area, residents can also follow the ongoing homicide probe on Southeast Albatross Avenue in Port St. Lucie.
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