Sheriff investigates homicide after man found on patio

TAMPA -- Sheriff's deputies found a man dead in a storage area on his patio Wednesday morning after someone called to say they were worried about him.

Now, detectives are looking for the man's killer.

Elax Brown, 60, of 2226 Cedar Trace Circle in Tampa, suffered homicidal trauma, according to sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway.

Brown was found at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday. Callaway said detectives weren't releasing details about his injuries or how long they believe he has been dead. Deputies waited to release information about Brown's death until a medical examiner concluded his autopsy and determined a cause of death.

There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call (813) 247-8200 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

- Rebecca Catalanello, Times staff writer