Deland, Florida

From the Daytona Beach News Journal of January 3, 2007

Police: Man may have died over backpack

DeLand police are investigating whether a homeless man found dead was shot by a resident from whom he demanded his backpack, police said.

The man was found dead in a kneeling position in the backyard of 236 E. Voorhis Ave. at 3 p.m. on Saturday, a police report states.

On Friday, Drew Munro, who lives at 234 E. Voorhis Ave., told police a Hispanic male calling himself "Tito" banged on his rear door accusing him of stealing Tito's backpack. Munro said he found the backpack on the front fence of his property, the report said.

A verbal confrontation started and "Tito" pulled out a knife, according to Munro, the report said. Munro said he fired twice at "Tito" with his .22-caliber pistol. Munro told police he fired low and did not believe he hit the man, police said. Munro said the man ran through a building into the woods, the report shows.

The man was found dead behind the home, the report states.