- December 17, 2025
An apparent argument over rent and living arrangements resulted in the death of a 76-year-old Palm Coast man and his tenant being arrested on a charge of second-degree murder early Sunday morning, according to detectives with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Erick Elom Niemi, 42, is charged with the death of Leonard Leon Lynn, whose body was discovered in a bedroom of his home at 26 Ryken Lane after family members became concerned when they were unable to reach him. The Medical Examiner ruled the death was a result of blunt force trauma.
Niemi had been renting a room from Lynn.
Deputies were called to the home at 5:57 p.m. Saturday to make a welfare check on Lynn.
When deputies got to the residence, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside.
A check of the outside showed no signs of forced entry, and Lynn’s vehicle was not in the driveway.
Deputies went back to the home at 9:19 p.m. and met with Lynn’s relative, who had arrived from Jacksonville, who let deputies into the home where the body was discovered.
Detectives believe the homeowner was killed sometime Wednesday. Niemi was located a short time later in possession of Lynn’s vehicle.
After questioning by detectives, Niemi confessed and has been charged with second-degree murder and one count of grand theft auto. He is currently at the Flagler County Inmate Facility, where he was scheduled to be arraigned on the charge this morning.
“This was a tragic and senseless death. Hopefully the quick resolution of this case will allow Mr. Lynn’s family to start the healing process,” said Sheriff Jim Manfre.
Investigators with the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit assisted in the investigation.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement processed the scene.
