On Thursday morning, November 23, 2023, a 67-year-old man was found dead in the trunk of a car.
Citrus County deputies responding to a wellness check in a residential area near Eden Drive, Inverness, Florida, found the dismembered body of James Banks inside the trunk of the car of the suspect in his murder.
Their investigation led them to Jonathan Dimick Sr., 75, the homeowner, who was found inside the home with a life-threatening, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the stomach. Dimick was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as “absolutely shocking,” a rarity in the typically peaceful community of Citrus County.
Sheriff Mike Prendergast expressed his deep concerns about the incident, noting the severity and unusual nature of the crime in a statement.
Evidence, including a large butcher knife and blood found in the backyard, suggested a violent struggle.
Sheriff Prendergast lamented the loss, stating, “Any death in our community is devastating, but it is especially tough to deliver the news that a loved one will not be able to join their families on a holiday.”
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the incident’s circumstances.
