The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is renewing its efforts to solve the 1974 murder of 24-year-old James Norris, one of the oldest active homicide investigations in Florida.
Norris, who also went by the name Richard Gunning, disappeared in April 1974 after traveling to Citrus County, Florida, to purchase marijuana. His remains were discovered two years later in Dixie County, but remained unidentified for over 30 years.
“Over the years that we’ve investigated this we’ve gotten a lot of the pieces of the puzzle. Someone could be holding a piece of the puzzle that they may not realize fits into the big picture,” said FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Mike Kennedy. “If you were familiar with the Miami, Crystal River or Steinhatchee areas in 1974, you may have a piece of the puzzle that is critical to solving this case.”
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In 2010, advances in DNA technology allowed FDLE to identify the remains as Norris, officially launching a homicide investigation. Investigators believe that Norris was murdered by individuals involved in the marijuana trade in Citrus County.
FDLE is seeking information from anyone who may have known Norris or has knowledge of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death. Investigators believe individuals living in Miami, Panama City, Steinhatchee, and Citrus County, Florida, may hold crucial information.
“We’re working for the family of Mr. Norris so they can find out what happened to their loved one,” said FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Mike Kennedy. “Even though it’s been 50 years, we do have persons of interest and they should be held accountable for their actions even if it is 50 years later.”
Anyone with information about the murder of James Norris is urged to contact FDLE Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820.
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