Community safety concerns rise amid recent homicides in Tampa and Lutz.
Recent homicides in Tampa and Lutz have left residents shaken. With ongoing investigations, including a decade-old case breakthrough and a tragic murder-suicide, community safety concerns are heightened. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek justice for the victims and their families.
In the bustling communities of Tampa and Lutz, residents are reeling from a spate of tragic homicides that have left many feeling shocked and concerned for their safety. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is working tirelessly to investigate these incidents, with detectives devoted to bringing justice to victims and their families.
One of the most recent cases unfolded in the early hours of October 9, 2024. At approximately 3:03 a.m., HCSO’s 911 center received a distressing call about a shooting in the 8000 block of Dreher Park Lane, within the serene confines of the Cross Creek Apartments. Upon arriving on the scene, deputies discovered Chad Alexander, a 28-year-old man, suffering from serious trauma to his upper body while seated inside a vehicle. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to Tampa General Hospital.
In the wake of this unsettling incident, detectives are leaving no stone unturned. They are scouring for potential video evidence and conducting interviews with neighbors to piece together what transpired that fateful night. With a commitment to pursuing justice, the sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with information to come forward by reaching out to 813-247-8200.
In a case that had remained unsolved for nearly a decade, the mystery surrounding the murder of Damien Bowie, a 23-year-old man fatally shot on March 2, 2014, has finally taken a turn. Authorities identified Javonte Dennard, a 33-year-old suspect, as the alleged shooter. Denard is already behind bars for other charges but now faces Murder in the Second Degree and additional allegations related to this brutal crime.
Two other suspects, Deandra Jenkins, 37, and Brittney White, 36, have also been arrested. Jenkins is charged as as Principal to Second Degree Murder, while White faces charges as an Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder. The sheriff emphasized the relentless determination of detectives to serve justice for Bowie and his grieving family.
In another case, Tony Shepard Jr., aged 16, was apprehended in connection to a tragic shooting that occurred on November 23, 2022. This incident, tied to a drug deal gone wrong, resulted in the death of another 16-year-old. Shepard Jr. was identified as the driver, and his arrest completed the roundup of all suspects involved in this harrowing event, which included several teenagers aged 16 and 17.
A search warrant executed at Shepard Jr.’s home led to the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms, and cash, painting a grim picture of the circumstances surrounding this crime. The sheriff expressed hope that this resolution would bring a sense of closure to the victim’s family.
In a heart-wrenching case, a murder-suicide investigation is underway in Lutz following an incident reported on November 29, 2024. Concern arose when a mother could not get in touch with her 5-year-old son and his father. Deputies conducted a wellness check and found no immediate signs of distress, but later, when the mother re-entered the home, she made the devastating discovery of her son and his father, both with gunshot wounds.
The circumstances surrounding this tragedy remain under investigation as deputies continue to seek answers. Recognizing the profound impact such cases have not only on families but also on the first responders, the sheriff extended condolences to the affected family.
As investigations continue across these various cases, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to providing updates to the public. It’s crucial for community members to remain vigilant and support one another during these trying times.
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