Jacksonville investigators are asking for the public’s help to solve the death of 36-year-old Robert Velleca, whose body was discovered floating in the Ortega River last month.
On September 20, 2025, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Marine Unit responded to a call about a body in the river. When they arrived, they located the remains of a man later identified as Velleca. Detectives began investigating immediately, but few clues were found at the scene, leaving the circumstances of his death unclear.
The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Velleca’s death was a homicide, turning what began as a recovery operation into an active murder investigation.
Detectives with JSO’s Homicide Unit are continuing to investigate, working to piece together where Velleca was last seen and what may have led to his death. So far, no suspects or motives have been released.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. “Someone knows what happened to Robert Velleca,” JSO said in a statement. “Your tip could be the key to helping us bring justice to his family.”
Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Ortega River area around September 20 or who has information about Velleca’s death is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit a tip through First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest could qualify for a cash reward.
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