Reconstructions of the victim by Natalie Murry and Tricia Blair; victim's tattoo.
Reconstructions of the victim by Natalie Murry and Tricia Blair; victim's tattoo.
Date of Discovery: November 21, 1982
Location of Discovery: Collier County, Florida
Estimated Date of Death: 1 day prior
State of Remains: Recognizable face
Cause of Death: Homicide by gunshot
Estimated Age: 30-60 years old
Race: White and/or Hispanic
Sex: Male
Height: 5'10" to 6'0"
Weight: 180 to 200 lbs.
Hair: Black, long and wavy. Clean shaven.
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Large, poorly executed tattoo of man with a halo. He is walking on two crutches and displaying numerous wounds. In front of him are two dogs. The background indicates a church, a mountain, and a sun rise. An expert in the field has suggested that the image is of Saint Lazarus on crutches. The decedent may have come from a Catholic background. Or the image may symbolize the Santeria deity 'Babalu-aye,' who is considered the deity of healing. Multiple scars on forehead, well healed scar over right knee.
Dentals: Unknown.
Fingerprints: Unknown.
DNA: Unknown.
Clothing: Blue pullover sweater, another dark blue sweater, black slacks with brown belt, white underwear.
Jewelry: None.
Additional Personal Items: None.
The victim was located by hunters approximately 115 feet north of US-41 on Burns Road, approximately 4 miles east of Ochopee. Subsequent police investigation and confession of a witness revealed that the decedent was brought to that location from the Miami area.
The police investigation revealed the name "Eduardo Bellito DeLina" as a possible name for the decedent but a records check on the name was conducted with negative results. Other names/ nicknames referred to are "Kuku" or "Cuckoo" and "Cuquito". No other information exists about the validity of these names.
Jose Julian Ortega, 29, was charged with first-degree murder after a witness came forward and told authorities that she had seen Ortega kill a man known only as Cuckoo. The charges were dropped.
Agency Name: Collier County Sheriff's Office
Agency Contact Person: Detective William Still, III or Kim Cherney
Agency Phone Number: 239-252-0057 or 239-252-0050
Agency E-Mail: william.stillIII(at)colliersheriff.org or kim.cherney(at)colliersheriff.org
Agency Case Number: 82-48484
Agency Name: District 20 Medical Examiner's Office
Agency Contact Person: Marta Coburn
Agency Phone Number: 239-434-5020
Agency E-Mail: naplesme(at)d20me.net
Agency Case Number: 1982-00218
NCIC Case Number: Unknown
NamUs Case Number: 1266
FLUIDDB
NamUs
FLUIDDB
The Miami Herald (11/15/84)
Added: Prior to 2005; Last Updated: 6/25/2021
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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