Death of Winter Garden resident under investigation in Sumter County

A homicide investigation is underway after Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputies discovered the body of a Winter Garden man over the weekend.

According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, deputies received a call at approximately 7:36 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, regarding a body found in a yard at 9915 County Road 231 in Wildwood.

The body of 61-year-old Winter Garden resident Michael Majed Kotait was discovered at the scene. As of Saturday, Michael Majed Kotait’s cause of death had not been confirmed, but the individual appeared to be the victim of homicidal violence, according to the statement.

Detectives are working to identify anyone the victim was associated with in the area in an effort to establish a motive, according to the statement.

Earlier, the Wildwood Police Department was notified of a vehicle submerged in the water at the Lake Deaton boat ramp at 5300 County Road 155 about 10 miles away. The unoccupied vehicle — a white Honda SUV — was registered under Michael Majed Kotait.

Anyone with information regarding the case can contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at (352) 793-2621 or 1-800-423- TIPS (8477).