Police still looking for killer of Tampa antiques dealer

Salvatore Agostino was a kind, smart man who was straight forward with his customers and not known to anger, according to longtime friend Chuck Carbonell.

After learning Agostino was killed at his antique store Wednesday, Carbonell remained puzzled and confused.

"When I saw the news and saw that he was killed, I felt helpless. I didn't know what to do," said Carbonell, who owns Hyde Park Restoration and Repairs in Tampa.

"You know he's 73, he's disabled," Carbonell said. "Someone to take advantage like that don't need to be on the street."

Agostino of Tampa was found dead Wednesday afternoon inside his shop, Antiques Etc., 811 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa police said he suffered upper body trauma.

Items in the business were stolen and disturbed. Investigators believe it was a robbery, said police spokeswoman Andrea Davis.

Police received a call at about 5 p.m. Wednesday from Agostino's brother.

He told investigators that he was concerned for Agostino, who usually closes his store at 3:30 p.m. When he didn't return home and he couldn't be contacted, Agostino's brother went to the business.

When he arrived, he found a side door opened that is usually closed. He called out for his brother, but no one responded. Agostino's brother called 911 and didn't enter the store, police said.

Police are trying to learn why he was targeted. Agostino had a custom of closing at around 3:30 p.m., and was known to carry cash, Davis said. Agostino had moved his business to Armenia Avenue about six months ago. He was previously located on Howard Avenue.

Police believe the murder happened between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Investigators hope a witness saw something that could help in solving the crime.

"This happened during the middle of the day, right off a busy street," Davis said. "So perhaps someone was driving by and saw something, maybe a vehicle or a person, and at the time didn't think much of it."

Agostino's death has shaken up Carbonell.

"This has woke us up, brought us to reality" Carbonell said. "This could happen to anyone around here, not just Sal."

"I think they took full advantage of Sal because he's by himself, he's an older man, he's disabled," he said. "And that's just wrong."

Detectives are looking for a suspect and are asking the public's help. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (813) 231-6130.