HCSO captures High Point homicide suspect

A manhunt near the High Point residential community ended last week when law enforcement personnel from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested a man for murder without premeditation.
HCSO Public Relations Manager Denise Moloney said that shortly after 10 p.m. on Sept. 28, the agency received a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible medical emergency near the entrance of the High Point 55+ Golf Community.
Personnel from Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) arrived on the scene and determined that the incident was “a criminal act” involving an adult male. The man was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A posting on the High Point community’s Facebook identified the man as Ed Mead.
HCSO deputies arrived at the scene shortly after HCFR crews got there.
Moloney declined to elaborate on the nature of the “criminal act.”
“At this point, the detectives are releasing ‘homicidal violence’ only,” Moloney said.
Using information from video surveillance cameras and statements from witnesses, investigators launched an investigation that closed High Point Boulevard and resulted in the identification of 23-year-old Jeremy Jason Patterson as a person of interest in the case.
On Sept. 29, they found Patterson in a wooded area near the High Point community just off Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville and arrested him without further incident.
He was subsequently booked into the Hernando County Detention Center on a charge of murder without premeditation.
Patterson remains in jail, and his case remains pending
Moloney declined further comment on the case.
According to the High Point/55+ Golf Community Facebook page, a memorial service and gathering for Mead will take place at the High Point Community Center on Oct. 4.