Sarasota sheriff: Remains found in Sarasota identified

SARASOTA -- Remains found in the 100 block of Cattlemen Road in Sarasota last September has been identified by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

According to the sheriff's office, the victim is Fernando DeJesus Ramos Velasquez, whose last known address was in Sarasota. He was 63.

Detectives released photos of personal items found with the remains, which led to information they may belong to a man known as "Chewy." Detectives located a roommate of Chewy who provided key infortmation.

Detectives were able to identify Velasquez by comparing medical records to the skeletal remains. The District 12 Medical Examiner's Office in collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University anthropologists confirmed the victim is Velasquez.

The manner or time of his death has not been determined. Detectives are working to locate next of kin.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who knew Velasquez is asked to call 941-861-4939.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 9:46 PM with the headline "Sarasota sheriff: Remains found in Sarasota identified ."