Missing Buckingham man found dead

Published: Updated:

BUCKINGHAM, Fla. — Authorities found the body of a 58-year-old man behind a dumpster in a church parking lot in Manatee County Friday afternoon. The man was reported missing Friday morning from his home in Buckingham, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Ted Lee, 58, was last seen Thursday night at his home on Graytwig Lane. His body was found in Lakewood Ranch at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church on State Road 70. The Manatee County Sheriff’s office said a church worker found the body. They said it’s believed Lee was killed in Lee County, then was driven to the church.

Detectives are looking for three people of interest, including 18-year-old Jonathan Ruffini, and 23-year-old Tyson Hunter,  and a 14-year-old girl, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies are also still looking for a 2015 silver Toyota Corolla with Florida tag K303BN, which the sheriff’s office believes Lee might have been driving.

Anyone with information is eligible to receive a $1,000 cash reward if they call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) keyword: REWARD

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