Disabled man found dead in his kitchen

A neighbor found him while looking in on him. Investigators say the death is suspicious.

By AMY WIMMER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 24, 2002

LEALMAN -- A man who neighbors say often used a wheelchair was found dead in his home Monday, sheriff's officials said.

The man, identified as Joseph C. Colbert, 48, lived at 5601 42nd St. N.

A neighbor, William Tuten, said he tried to check on Colbert Monday afternoon after not seeing him for a couple of days. He found Colbert's door unlocked and, when he stepped inside, discovered Colbert dead on the kitchen floor.

Tuten did not see any wounds, but said the body was partially covered by a kitchen rug, and the scene in the kitchen was bloody.

Sgt. Greg Tita, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office, said Tuten's death was caused by "upper body trauma." Detectives are still investigating the death, which they consider suspicious.

Sheriff's investigators were called to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Monday. Their investigation continued throughout the day, and they removed the body from the house at about 10:30 p.m. Monday.

Neighbors said Colbert was on disability and often, especially lately, could get around only in his wheelchair. Some people in the neighborhood sometimes picked up Colbert to take him to the grocery store or for other errands.

"Every few days, I'd stop by to check on him," Tuten said.

Tita said Colbert was last seen alive at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

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