Watch CBS News

Hollywood composer "Terry" Plumeri murdered in Florida home

DUNELLON, Fla. --Detectives believe a string of burglaries in rural Florida may be connected to the brutal murder of a composer who scored dozens of movies and was a recent conductor of the Moscow Philharmonic.

Deputies in Citrus County, Forida say Don Terryl "Terry" Plumeri, 71, was found dead due to extensive upper body trauma on April 1. Plumeri had rented the home in tiny Dunellon, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, for many years, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said there were signs of forced entry into Plumeri's home, and investigators believe composer's murder might be connected to a string of daytime burglaries "in which homes, many in rural ares, are being forced into and guns, jewelry, cash and other items are being stolen."

Citrus County has experienced at least 12 such burglaries since mid-January, the sheriff's office said.

Sheriff Jeff Dawsy released a statement urging residents in the county to be cautious.

"It is not known at this time if the burglaries are related to the homicide, but in an abundance of caution I'm urging all of our residents to take this advisory seriously and report all suspicious activity immediately to 911," Dawsy said. "Lock your doors, leave outside lights on at night, set alarm systems and if you see something, say something."

Plumeri's family has been notified of his death, according to the sheriff. Plumeri wrote music for 57 movies, according to his website, and in 2012 released the first in what was to be a series of four concert DVDs of performances as composer and conductor of the Moscow Philharmonic.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.