On Tuesday at 4:20 p. m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies were called to 1915 Erin Brooke Drive in Valrico.

Deputies learned that one of the homeowners, Linda Partin and her son, Samuel Partin, Jr., arrived at the house and discovered what they thought was evidence the house had been burglarized. They immediately left the house and called the Sheriff’s Office.

When the first deputy arrived and searched the house, he found a man dead in one of the bedrooms. That man was later identified as Samuel Lee Partin, Sr., 61.

At 11:30 p. m. after a search warrant was secured, detectives entered the house and examined Partin’s body. They reported he had suffered trauma.

Detectives said their initial investigation has revealed that Partin’s murder was not a random act, and he knew the suspect or suspects. They also reported there was no forced entry into the home.

Samuel Partin, Sr. was a 1969 graduate of Howard W. Blake High School.

The investigation is continuing to determine a motive for Partin’s death, and to identify possible suspects.