Tampa Police Make Arrest in Homicide Case
TAMPA, FLORIDA – December 9, 2024
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a 36-year-old man for the homicide of his mother, resulting in a tragic death investigation that has shocked the local community.
On the morning of December 9, 2024, at approximately 8:22 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a concerning call from Russell Antonio Moore. During the conversation, Moore expressed troubling thoughts related to his mental health, prompting deputies to respond to his residence located in the 8000 block of Beaty Grove Drive in Tampa.
When deputies arrived, they conducted an interview with Moore. During this interaction, he made threatening statements about his mother, 54-year-old Shambray Lavern Levy. Alarmed by these remarks, deputies proceeded to search the home, where they found Levy deceased with visible trauma to her upper body.
Following the discovery, Moore was taken into custody at the scene. He has since been charged with homicide, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep sorrow regarding the incident, saying, “This is an incredibly heartbreaking and tragic situation for the family and everyone involved.”
Chronister continued, emphasizing the prompt response of the deputies, stating, “Our deputies acted swiftly to investigate, and an arrest has been made.” He extended condolences to the loved ones affected by this unfortunate loss and reassured that the Sheriff’s Office would provide support during this difficult time.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns about mental health issues, underscoring the importance of addressing such personal struggles before they lead to tragedies. Community members have expressed their shock and sadness over the event, highlighting the impact of violence within families.
As the investigation moves forward, residents and relatives of the victim are left to grapple with the emotional fallout of this crime. Many are reaching out for mental health support as they process the loss of a beloved family member in such a violent manner.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. They urge community members to look out for one another and maintain open dialogues about mental health and personal well-being.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the complex issues surrounding domestic situations and the catastrophic outcomes they can yield when unresolved. The Sheriff’s Office is expected to conduct further investigations and will work diligently to prevent such situations in the future.
For any assistance related to mental health, community members are encouraged to reach out to local resources or professionals who can provide necessary help.
