FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – A person of interest has been arrested in Georgia following the suspicious death of a woman in Flagler Beach, according to police.
The investigation began Thursday, the Flagler Beach Police Department said in a news release dated Saturday. The woman who died was identified as Sally J. Byrd, 66, who resided in the Pebble Beach Village community, the release states. Byrd’s cause of death had not yet been determined at the time of this report, police said.
David Brownstone, 64, was identified as a person of interest given his alleged usage of Byrd’s vehicle after she died, according to the release. Brownstone was arrested in Washington County, Georgia, while still in possession of Byrd’s vehicle, police said.
“The ‘person of interest’ in this case has been charged with grand theft, he’s in custody in Georgia and he’ll be extradited back to Flagler County,” Flagler Beach police Chief Matthew Doughney said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Byrd’s family and friends during this most difficult of times. We’re committed to determine how Ms. Byrd passed away, and out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of this investigation, there will be no further comment until the official cause of death has been determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Flagler Beach investigators have been in Washington County, Georgia, since Friday, the release states, adding the police department has appreciated the cooperation and assistance provided by the sheriff’s office there.
The investigation is said to be ongoing.
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