Police on Wednesday identified an 83-year-old man found with a gunshot wound Sunday at an Avenue J home as Euthan Groves.Investigators released the name after days of attempts to reach Groves' relatives proved unsuccessful."Anyone with information about next of kin, we would ask that they contact us so that we can make a proper notification," Sgt. Dennis McWilliams said.Sunday morning, a person checked on Groves, a native of Jamaica, and notified authorities after discovering him on the floor of his home in the 2500 block of Avenue JInvestigators noticed the residence's back door kicked open and saw several machetes and knives near the door. Police went into the living room and found cartridge casings on the chair and floor. Bullet holes riddled the walls and a bedroom door. Groves, who had been in Fort Pierce for about 19 years, was found in a bedroom in a fetal position on his left side.
Police arrested Groves in May 2006 in connection with an alleged marijuana deal two months earlier. In that case, an informant bought pot from a man identified as Groves, a report states. McWilliams declined to say whether this case played a role in Groves' death. He also declined to discuss many other aspects of the investigation.McWilliams said Groves might have relatives in Jamaica and New York.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, a police report states, but two neighbors interviewed this week said they heard shots about 3 or 4 a.m.The turquoise home with peach trim where Groves was found is just down the street from the Bass Temple Church of God in Christ.
