Neighbors mourn after death investigation in Port Charlotte

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Neighbors on Rockwood Street are mourning after a death investigation brought deputies, crime scene tape and forensic teams to their normally quiet Port Charlotte neighborhood.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said deputies are conducting an active death investigation on Rockwood Street. CCSO told WINK News the investigation is mental-health related and that it does not plan to release additional information.

The sheriff’s office has not identified the person who died or said whether anyone else was involved. Deputies also pushed back on rumors circulating online claiming two children died at the home. CCSO said those reports are false and that no children were involved.

Neighbors said the law enforcement response was difficult to see in a community they describe as close-knit and normally quiet.

“I was shocked. I didn’t know what was going on,” neighbor Gay Horton said.

“Quite a shocker. I’m still shocked.”

Robert Crain, who also lives nearby, said he first noticed a deputy arriving without a siren before seeing officers begin taping off the area.

“Never had anything in this neighborhood to be concerned about ever,” Crain said. “It’s very safe. I feel safe.”

Neighbors told WINK News people on the street often stop to talk, walk their dogs and look out for one another. They said the past two days have been difficult to process and, with the sheriff’s office saying the investigation is mental-health related, they hope it serves as a reminder for people to check in on neighbors, friends and family when something does not seem right.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has not released any additional details about what led to the death. WINK News will continue working to learn more as information becomes available.