SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE

Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence in the 400 block of 12^th St. SW early this morning to check the welfare of 51 year old Michael Gray.  Gray’s wife was out of town and had not heard from him in several days. She called the Sheriff’s Office and asked that his welfare be checked as she had concerns about the roommate whom the couple allowed to share their home.

At approximately 12:30AM this morning, deputies made contact with the Gray’s roommate, Timothy E. Gochenour (41), at the shared home. Gochenour initially told deputies that Gray was at a local bar but they felt his nervousness was suspicious and checked the inside of the home.  Deputies found that Gray was deceased and his body was in a bed, covered with blankets.

Detectives were called and interviewed Gochenour.  He told investigators that he had been in an argument with Gray for several days over rent and privacy issues.  He indicated that last night (11/14/13) he put a large quantity of prescription medications in a milkshake and gave it to Gray with the intention of killing him. When Gray passed out, Gochenour put him in a bed and covered him with blankets. The prescription medications were believed to be a combination of those belonging to both Gray and Gochenour.

The victim’s wife has been notified of her husband’s murder.

Detectives and crime scene investigators remain on scene.

Gochenour was in possession of a firearm when initial contact was made with him.  He has been arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is being booked into the Indian River County Jail.  Charges for the homicide are expected later today as investigators continue to uncover evidence and consult with prosecutors.

Gochenour is a registered sex offender and had reported the Gray’s address as his residence.  In 1997, he was arrested by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office  for 1 count each of attempted sexual battery of a victim 12 years of age or older, burglary of an occupied dwelling with an assault/battery, and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. He was convicted on the unlawful sexual contact with a minor count and sentenced to 3 years in prison and 6 years on probation. The Florida Department of Corrections Website notes several periods of incarceration following that arrest and conviction.