Arrest made in Palm Coast murder

Flagler County Sheriff’s detectives reported to Historic City News this morning that what appears to have been an argument over rent and living arrangements, resulted in the death of a 76-year-old Palm Coast man and his tenant being arrested for second-degree murder.

According to the charging affidavit, 42-year-old Eric Elom Niemi, had been renting a room from Leonard Leon Lynn, in Lynn’s home at 26 Ryken Lane.

After family members were unable to reach Lynn, they became concerned and asked the Sheriff’s Office to make a “welfare check” on him at 5:57 p.m., Saturday. When deputies got to the residence, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside. A check of the outside showed no signs of forced entry and Lynn’s vehicle was not in the driveway.

A relative, who had a key to the home, drove from Jacksonville and met deputies at 9:19 p.m. Upon entry, they discovered Lynn’s body in a bedroom. Detectives believe the homeowner was killed sometime Wednesday.

A search for Niemi found him in possession of Lynn’s missing vehicle. After questioning by detectives, Niemi confessed and was arrested. He remains in custody, charged with grand theft of an automobile and second-degree murder. During a first appearance hearing this morning, bond was set at $5,000 on the theft charge; no bond has been set on the murder charge.

The Medical Examiner ruled the death was a result of blunt force trauma.

“This was a tragic and senseless death,” said Sheriff James L. Manfre. “Hopefully the quick resolution of this case will allow Mr. Lynn’s family to start the healing process.”

Investigators with the Office of the State Attorney Homicide Unit assisted in the investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement processed the crime scene.