Advertisement

Police obtain search warrant in Tarpon Springs slaying

 
Published July 8, 2014

TARPON SPRINGS — Detectives retrieved an exterior door and frame from the house where a Dunedin doctor was slain in May, police said.

Tarpon Springs police obtained a search warrant Tuesday that allowed Pinellas Sheriff's Office forensics specialists to remove the door and frame from the house at 1310 Belcher Drive.

On May 28, Dr. Steven Patlin Schwartz's wife arrived at their home and found the house in disarray. Fearing a burglary, she called police. Inside, police dogs found Schwartz's body near the garage.

His fatal injuries were described by police as "upper body trauma."

Tarpon Springs police have released few details of the investigation since Schwartz's slaying, disclosing only that detectives believe the doctor was targeted.

Schwartz's family is offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tarpon Springs police Det. John Diebel at (727)938-2849.