Pinellas Park Police Department

Press Release June 16, 2009

Homicide

PP 2009-16990

At approx 1345 hrs, Pinellas Park Fire Department responded to a man down, located in a wooded camp area just south of 70th Avenue along the railroad tracks in Pinellas Park.  The 51 year old white male transient was found by another transient, lying unresponsive near his tent. The Fire department contacted police after they determine the man was dead.  Police detectives identified the man and believe the cause of death may be related to an incident that occurred on June 9th, 2009 where the deceased was attacked by a subject identified as Mark P. Velasquez (6/30/1967).  The victim intervened in a domestic dispute between Mark Velasquez and Velasquez's girlfriend.  Velasquez became angry with the victim, grabbed a 3 foot piece of steel rebar and beat the victim on the head and body with it.  The victim managed to get to a phone later that night to call for assistance and was taken to St. Petersburg General hospital. Mark Velasquez was later arrested by police for aggravated battery and remains in jail at this time.    

*** UPDATE June 16th, 2009 1800 hrs ***

Victim Identification:
Brian David Thompson dob:11-27-1957
W/M, no known address (transient)

Mark P. Velasquez booking information

*** UPDATE June 24th, 2009 ***
An autopsy was completed and it was determined that the assault this victim endured on June 9th was not the cause of death.  The true cause of death is still undetermined.

Auth: Captain S. A. Forseth
727-541-0792