Body found in Micanopy ID'd as missing Gilchrist County man

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WOGX FOX 51) - Through the assistance of the Alachua County Medical Examiner's Office, forensic investigators with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office have identified a body found in Micanpoy on Monday as that of a missing 20-year-old man from Gilchrist County.

Daniel Schweitzer had been missing since February 3, 2019.  Investigators determined that he did not die from natural causes.  The exact time or date of death remains mystery.  

"While the manner and mechanism of his death are still part of the very active criminal investigation, evidence recovered indicates that he was killed," the Sheriff's Office announced late Tuesday.

The body was discovered late Monday afternoon off of County Road 234 by a passerby.

"I seen a blue blanket, and first, I smelled death," said William Douglas, who discovered the body. "As I went to investigate and moved the palm frond, I saw the body."

Anyone with information is asked to contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 352-367-4170.  Those who have information that leads to the arrest of a suspect can remain completely anonymous by contacting CrimeStoppers through their “P3 Tips” application available through the App Store or Google Play, or by calling (352) 372-STOP (7867) and www.stopcrime.tv.