A body recovered from the waters offshore of Big Coppitt Key on Wednesday has been tentatively identified as a man reported missing from his Big Coppitt Key home in April.
Major Crimes Detective Manny Cuervo says the body was badly decomposed, and so far there is no scientific evidence to confirm the identification, but items found with the body are consistent with missing man Paul Brackens. Brackens was reported missing by his roommate on April 30th.
She told investigators she last saw him on the evening of April 27th. He left behind all of his personal belongings, including his parrott, his medications, cell phone, wallet, bicycle and all of his clothing.
Detective Cuervo says there are no obvious signs of foul play, but an autopsy has not been performed yet. He says all of his investigations so far indicate Brackens may have committed suicide.
