MARIANNA — Questions linger in the brutal homicide of a 72-year-old Marianna man, according to officials with the Marianna Police Department.
The body of David Tinsley, 72, was discovered by his brother Monday inside Tinsley’s Graham Street home with signs of foul play. As evidence is processed from the scene for traces of DNA, investigators are piecing together a timeline of Tinsley’s activities and tracking down leads in the case of a small-town mystery, according to officials.
And, though officials want to keep details of the crime scene between authorities, the perpetrator and his deceased victim, Marianna Police Chief Hayes Baggett said it is safe to assume Tinsley met his demise at another’s hand.
“It was an obvious murder scene,” Baggett said. “He died a traumatic death.”
Police officers responded to the call at about 10:40 a.m. Monday and determined foul play was involved after observing the scene. Baggett said investigators believe the motive was to rob Tinsley, which could be tied to someone within the community.
“It’s not a random act,” Baggett said. “It ain’t like someone was passing through and decided to rob him. Someone knew his habits, and they tried to capitalize on them.”
However, Tinsley was a friend to many in the community, Baggett said.
So far, authorities have not released the names of specific persons of interest, but investigators are awaiting the return of DNA evidence from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“Whoever done that to that old man needs to be in jail,” Baggett said.
The Marianna Police Department is asking the community for any information regarding the death of Tinsley to call the Police Department at 850-526-3125 or Chipola CrimeStoppers at 850-526-5000 to remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward.