Pasco: Remains found in woods identified

Remains found in woods identified

Pasco deputies say it's the body of Steven Ray Manning, 30. They say he was the victim of a homicide.

By BRADY DENNIS

SHADY HILLS -- Pasco County sheriff's deputies on Thursday identified the body of a man found this week in a patch of woods near State Road 52 as that of Steven Ray Manning, 30, of Hudson.

They also confirmed what they had hinted at all along -- he was a victim of a homicide.

Sheriff's spokesman Jon Powers said Manning, also known as "Crash" or "Mad Dog," was last seen about 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 outside a 7-Eleven store at Moon Lake Road and SR 52.

Powers said Manning was wearing blue jean shorts, a dark gray T-shirt and flip-flops.

His decomposed body was found Monday morning in some woods about half a mile south of SR 52 and a mile west of Hays Road.

Two security guards found Manning while patrolling the property, which is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Deputies were called to the scene at 11:22 a.m., and at first were unsure if the remains were human. Medical examiners identified the body.

State records show Manning has been arrested 10 times since 1987. Among his convictions: aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated stalking, resisting arrest with violence, possession of a concealed weapon and petty theft.

Manning, who has served time in state prisons, was back in jail in March on the weapon and petty theft charges. He was released to his parents April 23 on $3,500 bail, records show.

Reached at her home Thursday, Manning's mother declined to comment about her son, saying it was too painful.

Manning was due to appear in court Monday on a heroin possession charge.

Investigators refused to release any information about the cause of Manning's death or if they had any suspects.

"It is under an extremely active investigation," sheriff's spokesman Powers said.

Anyone with information about the killing or anyone who might have seen Manning near the time of his death, is asked to call Detective Sharon Walborn toll-free at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7462.

-- Staff writer Chase Squires and Times researcher Kitty Bennett contributed to this report.