Deputies said they made a “horrifying” discovery on Thanksgiving in which a man fatally shot himself in the abdomen after dismembering his murder victim.
Sheriff’s deputies in Florida described finding the victim, James Banks, 67, stuffed in the trunk of his own vehicle. The suspect, Jonathan Dimick Sr., 75, ultimately succumbed to his injury, authorities said in news release.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to an urgent request for a well-being check near the area of Poe Street and Eden Drive in the city of Inverness. They had gotten information about a murder possibly taking place. Authorities did not identify the person who reported it, but Sheriff Mike Prendergast credited the individual’s courage.
Jonathan Dimick Sr. dismembered James Banks’ body before dying by suicide, deputies said. (Image: Citrus County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities arrived, knocked on the door and announced themselves. When they got no answer, they got worried for the suspect and victim’s safety, so they started checking the home’s perimeter, according to the sheriff’s office news release.
In the backyard, they discovered “a large butcher-style knife” on the ground, as well as blood and drag marks.
“At that time, deputies believed that the complainant’s claims were true and a crime had been committed,” authorities said.
After trying some more to reach Dimick, deputies made their way into the home to find him sitting in his living room unresponsive. He was alive, but had shot himself in the abdomen, they said.
Fire rescue workers attended to him. First responders took him by helicopter to the hospital, where he died.
Eventually, investigators found Banks dismembered in the trunk of his own vehicle. Authorities did not describe the men’s prior relationship. Nor did they suggest a motive. The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a Law&Crime request for more information.
“The scene our deputies responded to was absolutely shocking. It is rare that a case this horrific occurs in Citrus County, but this is what we prepare for,” said Prendergast in the news release. “It is truly unfortunate that our suspect will never be prosecuted for this brutal crime – However, thanks to the caller’s courage and our team’s quick response, Mr. Banks’ family can begin their grieving process with the knowledge that no one will ever again suffer by the hands of Mr. Dimick.”
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