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Homicide investigation continues

Holmes Beach police last week continued to look into the slaying of Carla Ann Beard, 29, of Sarasota.

Beard’s body was found Dec. 1 on the beachfront of a house in Holmes Beach.

Authorities, who are still awaiting medical results from the coroner’s office, believe Beard was fatally beaten several days before the body was found.

Several people responded to HBPD’s request for information about the Beard and her whereabouts in the days before her death. She had left a Sarasota facility for substance abuse on Nov. 26.

“We’ve talked to people,” said HBPD Chief Jay Romine.

But authorities still are urging anyone with information about Beard’s death to call the Holmes Beach Police Department at 941-708-5800. Anonymous tips may also be made to Manatee County Crime Stoppers hotline at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or at www.manateecrimestoppers.com/anonymoustips.html.

Reward money totaling $6,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, which is being handled by HBPD Sgt. Terri Davis.