UPDATED 09/04/18: Police Looking For 'Person of Interest' In Woman's Homicide

Date Added: August 28, 2018 6:10 am

Ofc. Evan Doyle
Community Relations and Public Information Officer
Port Orange Police Department
Office – 386-506-5822
edoyle@port-orange.org
Case# 180007593         

***UPDATE*** 09/04/18 - 2:08 p.m.

The body recovered by detectives from the Port Orange Police Department on Friday, August 31st has been confirmed to be that of Thomas McMullen Jr. The autopsy proved inconclusive regarding the exact cause of death, however toxicology results are pending at this time. 

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***UPDATE*** 08/30/18 - 1:55 p.m.

Earlier today, at approximately 11:00 am, Port Orange Police Department detectives located what is believed to be the body of Thomas McMullen Jr. in the woods near the 2500 block of W. International Speedway Blvd. An autopsy will be scheduled in the near future to make positive identification and determine the cause of death however, at this time, it appears to be a suicide. 

The Port Orange Police Department would like to thank our local law enforcement partners as well as the community for their assistance in our efforts to solve this case.

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***UPDATE*** 08/28/18 - 1:55 p.m.

The Port Orange Police Department continues to investigate the death of Diana Kessler. Preliminary autopsy results indicated in excess of 100 stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the victim’s head. Our investigation has revealed this to be an extremely violent and prolonged event which also displayed apparent attempts to conceal the crime scene. The victim also displayed numerous defensive wounds on her extremities which, despite her relatively small size (5’5”, 147 lbs.), indicate an effort to defend herself against the attack. At this time, it is believed the victim and the suspect, Thomas “Tommy” McMullen Jr., were friends but there is no indication the relationship was romantic in nature.

We believe that McMullen Jr. remains in the East Volusia area and is a known narcotics user, frequenting the area of International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, FL. If anyone has relevant information regarding this case, please call the POPD Tip Line at 386-506-5878 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. Given the violent nature of this horrific crime, we are asking anyone with information pertaining to the location of Thomas McMullen Jr. to please contact police central dispatch (386-248-1777 or 911) as quickly as possible.

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***UPDATE*** 3:00 p.m.

The suspect vehicle has been located, unoccupied, at 2595 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, Fl. The vehicle is registered to the victim.

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***UPDATE***  9:30 a.m.

The victim has been identified as Diana Mihaela Kessler, W/F, DOB 03-23-86.

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POLICE LOOKING FOR 'PERSON OF INTEREST' IN WOMAN'S HOMICIDE

            On August 27th, 2018 at approximately 9 P.M. Port Orange Police responded to the residence 5939 Hatteras Dr. in reference to a deceased female. Upon further investigation it was determined the female was the victim of a homicide. She is not a resident of this home.  Port Orange Police Detectives are currently investigating the scene.

A person of interest is Thomas C. McMullen described as:   

RACE/SEX: White/Male

HGT/WGT: 5’11”/180lbs

EYES/HAIR: Hazel/Brown

Born: 1981, 37yoa

Thomas McMullen is possibly driving a 1998 Buick Regal, maroon in color, four doors, with extensive damage on the driver side, bearing Florida tag, M534QE.

The female victim and Thomas McMullen were known to each other. It is unknown if Thomas McMullen is armed at this time or a threat to others.

Any information on the vehicle or Thomas McMullen can be reported to your local law enforcement agency or Crimestoppers. 

The female’s information is not being released at this time until family notification is completed.