Jamaal Brooks, 32, of Palmetto, Florida, was found dead behind a house in the 2100 block of 3rd Avenue East on December 20, 2020. Deputies arrived after a report around 7 a.m.; Brooks had two gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office classified the death as a homicide and opened a detective-led investigation.

Early reports said investigators did not know who had been with Brooks before the shooting, there were no immediate suspects or known motives, and the case lacked witnesses and clear evidence. No arrests were announced and the case remained open while detectives continued to follow leads. Anyone with information was urged to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Tip line or Crime Stoppers.

Did anyone in the Palmetto area have contact with Jamaal in the days before December 20, 2020, or see anything behind the 2100 block of 3rd Avenue East that morning?