The Flagler Beach Police Department, along with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the 7th Judicial Circuit’s State Attorney’s Office and the State Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating a suspicious death that occurred in our City. This investigation, which began on Thursday, July 18, 2024, is active, ongoing, and the cause of death has not yet been determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The victim in this case, Ms. Sally J. Byrd, 66 years of age, resided in the Pebble Beach Village community, located in Flagler Beach, and her next of kin have been notified.
“Our Department, along with assistance from our local partners at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiners Office are working in unison to do our due diligence so that we can piece together exactly what happened to cause Ms. Byrd’s death”, stated Chief Matt Doughney.
During the investigation, a “person of interest” was identified with regards to the usage of the victim’s vehicle after she passed away. The “person of interest”, David Brownstone, 64 years of age, was arrested in Washington County, Georgia, Thursday evening, in possession of the deceased’s vehicle.
Chief Doughney continued by stating that “The “person of interest” in this case has been charged with Grand Theft, he’s in custody in Georgia and he’ll be extradited back to Flagler County.
Investigators from the Flagler Beach Police Department have been in Washington County, Georgia, since Friday, July 18, 2024. Our Investigators have worked diligently on this case, and we sincerely appreciate the cooperation and assistance provided by the Washington County (Georgia) Sherriff’s Office.
Chief Doughney concluded by stating “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Byrd’s family and friends during this most difficult of times. We’re committed to determine how Ms. Byrd passed away, and out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of this investigation, there will be no further comment until the official cause of death has been determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
