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HOMICIDE ARREST

February 10, 2005

On April 5, 2000, the Fort Lauderdale Police department responded to 118 NW 5 Street to the report of a body being discovered inside of a dumpster behind a business at this location. Officers learned that the body had been discovered after a report of a fire inside of the dumpster. The body, which was burned beyond recognition, was ultimately identified as 22 year-old Matthew Collins, who had been reported missing to Plantation Police Department, earlier this same day.

Doctor Flannigan of the Broward County Medical Examiners Office ruled the death a homicide due to blunt force head trauma, prior to being burned. Originally Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives Al Stone and Jack King lead this investigation, however both have since retired. Though their investigation resulted in possible suspect(s) being identified, no arrests were able to be made.

The investigation centered around information that Matthew Collins had a conflict with two fellow employees where he worked at Mars Music Store. Apparently, this conflict was over money owed to Collins by a fellow employee for a pool cue, Collins had sold him. Also with fellow employee Brendan Rao, who named Collins as a suspect in a burglary at his residence. Information had been obtained by friends of Brendan Rao, that he should be a suspect in Collins murder, as he had made statements to them about the killing.

In 2004, Detective John Curcio continued this investigation by re-contacting people previously interviewed, and with the use of forensic technologies not available in 2000.

Recently, controlled phone conversations were able to be established with Rao. It was during these phone calls that Rao implicates himself in the murder, and probable cause was developed for the arrest of Brendan Rao (W/M DOB 4/23/80).

Brendan Rao was arrested this morning without incident when he left his residence. Rao has been charged with one count of First Degree Murder, and is being held without bail at the Broward County Jail.

The investigation is still on-going, and the police department is looking into the possibility that other suspects may have been involved. Anyone with information about this murder is encouraged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Detective Curcio @ 954-828-5529, FLPD Tip Line @ 954-828-5511, or Broward County CrimeStoppers @ 954-493-TIPS.

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