Patricia Kuhner Obituary, Death; – A man from Sebastian, suspected of murdering his mother the previous week, traveled to Daytona Beach where he took his own life by self-immolation at the entrance of a commercial property, according to authorities.
The Sebastian police reported that Michael Rockwell, aged 48, is believed to have killed his mother, Patricia Kuhner, aged 64, on December 6, an incident classified as a murder-suicide. On December 7, police confirmed that Rockwell ended his life by fire in Daytona Beach.
The Daytona Beach police stated that the event took place at 2:26 p.m. at 100 Professional Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered Rockwell’s charred body in the driveway of the commercial property, situated between International Speedway and Williamson boulevards, near Interstate 95.
Rockwell was found lying on his back with extensive burns. His clothing and a gas can were located in the main parking area of the property, as reported by the police.
A witness at a nearby gas station, Rebel Gas Station, located at 2675 W. International Speedway Blvd., recounted that Rockwell entered the store and purchased a bottle of strawberry milk, a small gas can, and a gallon of gasoline, as detailed in the incident report.
The gas station attendant noted that Rockwell seemed depressed but did not exhibit behavior that would raise alarm, according to police.
Shortly after his purchase, another witness reported seeing Rockwell engulfed in flames, running through the parking lot of 100 Professional Blvd., moving through some brush before collapsing in the driveway, as outlined in the report.
The witness attempted to retrieve a bucket of water from the gas station, but by the time he returned, the fire had diminished, and Rockwell was already deceased, police stated.
Several bank cards belonging to Rockwell were discovered at the scene, and his next of kin was identified as Kuhner, according to the report.
