CITRUS PARK, FL–  The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man who was found brutally murdered in his home during a welfare check. 

Police say the body of 59-year-old Timothy Floyd Smith was found Saturday, March 25 around 10:50 a.m. after his job contacted them with concerns because Smith failed to show up to work the day before. 

While authorities did not give much detail about Smith’s death, they did report that they believe he was killed by someone he knew:

“My detectives have been working around the clock to investigate this brutal murder and what we have learned so far now leads us to believe that it was committed by somebody who the victim knew,” Sheriff William Woods said. “Somebody out there knows something. No piece of evidence or bit of information is insignificant. If you know something that may help advance this investigation, please pick up the phone and call us.”

Officials are hoping to learn more about Smith in an effort to figure out a possible motive. They are asking anyone who knew Smith or believes they may have information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-21 in your tip.