Police said they identified him because his bloody fingerprints were left at the scene.

PINELLAS PARK – Police here have accused a homeless man of murdering another man whose body was found near a trash container at the Shoppes at Park Place shopping center.

Corey Dean Palmer Watkins, 27, who is homeless was charged with one count of second degree murder in the death of Will Joe Hodges, 38, according to Pinellas Park police.  Mr. Hodges, formerly of St. Petersburg, was discovered deceased on Nov. 19 within a dumpster enclosure at the Shoppes at Park Place, 7310 U.S. 19 N.

Police said they identified Watkins by fingerprints that were left at the scene in the victim’s blood. Police said the found Watkins early this morning (Nov. 27) and took him into custody without incident. During questioning, police said Watkins admitted to having previously stayed at the location where the homicide occurred, but denied any knowledge of the death of Mr. Hodges. Police said they will continue to investigate to try determining a motive for the murdeer.

For information about Pinellas Park police, go to pinellas-park.com.

Pinellas Park Police | Murder | Crime | Arrests | Tampa Bay Reporter

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