A woman found dead in Bushnell on Thursday died of homicidal violence, Sumter County Sheriff's deputies say.

  • Melody Bennett had just turned 33 years old
  • Here body was found inside home west of Bushnell
  • Anyone with information asked to call Sumter County deputies

Melody Bennett, who just turned 33 a day earlier, was found inside a home on County Road 625 after deputies received a call just before 2:30 p.m., according to investigators.

Authorities say Bennett's brother found her dead inside the home about three miles west of Bushnell. They say Bennett had some physical injuries that are not common with a natural death.

"Obviously we're concerned because we need see what happened and solve this case. The public should not be in fear, there's no one going crazy or running the neighborhood," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Tony Prevatt.

Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Deputies say this is the county's first homicide of the year.