On December 7, 2024, Sebastian Police Department officers responded to a call at 1002 Barber Street regarding a next-of-kin death notification for another agency.
Upon arriving at approximately 10 p.m., officers attempted to make contact with 64-year-old Patricia Rockwell-Kuhner, but discovered signs of blood and a struggle inside the residence. Detectives responded to the scene and executed a search warrant of the home.
A subsequent investigation determined that Mrs. Rockwell-Kuhner was the victim of a homicide. Sebastian Police reported Wednesday that 48-year-old Michael Rockwell, the suspect in the incident, is believed to have killed his mother before taking his own life by setting himself on fire in Daytona Beach.
“The investigation has determined this to be a murder-suicide,” Deputy Chief Tim Wood told Sebastian Daily.
The Sebastian Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the homicide. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Police will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
