MEDIA RELEASE
Date: May 29, 2011
Time: 12:45 PM
On May 28, 2011 deputies were working a detail at the Horse Hole Mud Boggs at 13210 SE Hwy 19 Inglis. Citizens notified the deputies and advised that a stabbing occurred in the mud pit. Within minutes deputies arrived on the scene and they identified the stabbing victim as 24 year old, Roderic L. Sparks. Emergency personnel were working on the victim and an eye witnesses advised that the person that stabbed him was in a blue Jeep. Citizens blocked the suspects with their vehicle preventing the suspect from leaving the scene.
Witnesses identified 15 year old, Christopher Sutherlin as the suspect. The investigation revealed that Christopher J Sutherlin's father was involved in verbal altercation with the victim about revving his engine. Sutherlin Sr. threw a beer can at the victim, which resulted in a physical confrontation. The victim was getting the best of the Sutherlin Sr. and his son, Sutherlin Jr., with the use of a knife stabbed the victim in the upper torso. The victim was transported to Seven Rivers hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Efforts to locate the murder weapon were unsuccessful last night. It is believed that the murder weapon was thrown in the mud pit and the Horse Hole Mud Boggs has been shut down.
On May 29, 2011 Investigators resumed the search for the murder weapon and located the knife in the mud pit.
Sutherlin Jr. was been charged with manslaughter.
Defendant:
Christopher J Sutherlin
7848 Fashion Loop
New Port Richey, Fl
W/M 02/14/1996
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Major Evan Sullivan
Levy County Sheriff's Office
FBI-National Academy 183rd Session
Office: 352-486-5446
Cell: 352-577-4218