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No Foul Play in Death of Homeless Man in Peacock Park, Police Say


The death of a man whose body was found Wednesday in Peacock Park is not being investigated as a homicide, Miami police said Friday.

Sylburn W. Robinson, who was apparently homeless, was pronounced dead at the scene.  He was 69.

Contrary to rumors that have spread through the Coconut Grove community that Robinson had been battered, “there is no ongoing homicide investigation,” said police spokesman Michael Vega in an email. “This means that there is no foul play.”

Robinson’s body was taken to the office of the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner, who will determine the cause of death.

One person who knew Robinson as a regular patron of the Coconut Grove branch library described him as “soft-spoken, always very kind.  I always felt a good energy from him.”

Robinson was believed to be a native of Jamaica, who on occasion spoke by phone to a daughter there.  Police said they have not located next of kin.

Robinson first showed up at the library about three weeks ago, coming in to read the newspaper and to help himself at the file cabinet filled with snacks, toiletries and donated clothing available to those in need, according to a woman who knew him.

That acquaintance, a county employee who asked not to be identified because she did not have permission to speak to the news media, said Robinson’s health may have been deteriorating.  “He seemed stronger, sturdier when he first arrived; he was losing weight,” she said. 

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information provide by Miami police since it was first published on Thursday October 3.


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