St. Petersburg Police Press Release


ANTHONY HOLLOWAY
Chief of Police
1301 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

(727) 893-7550
police.stpete.org

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Report number: 2020-024483
Date of original release: 07-07-20

Human Remains Found

Updated on 04-23-21 at 1:22 p.m.

Through DNA evidence, SPPD can confirm that the human head found on July 7th, 2020 near the intersection of 38th Ave. S and 31st St. S, is that of Donald Edward Coston (DOB 07/24/1939) of St. Petersburg. His cause of death is still under investigation.

The investigation into Mr. Coston's death is ongoing, as we have little information about the last few days of his life. We strongly encourage anyone with details on his whereabouts in early July 2020, to contact us at 727-893-4823. Anonymous tips can also be sent by texting the letters "SPPD" and tip information to TIP-411.


Released on 07-07-20 at 8:15 a.m.

St. Petersburg Police are investigating what appears to be the discovery of human remains near the intersection of 38th Ave. S and 31st St. S, after a jogger alerted the department.

The call came in around 7am and homicide detectives have arrived at the scene.

38th Ave. S will be closed to traffic, so we are asking drivers to avoid the area.

St. Petersburg Police Media Relations - (727) 893-7550
YOLANDA FERNANDEZ - Public Information Officer