2nd suspect arrested 2 years after man gunned down outside Tampa apartments: HCSO
Share this @internewscast.com

A second individual has been apprehended over two years following a drive-by shooting near a Tampa apartment complex that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Leon Michael Washington.

The suspect, Jaylen Whittaker, aged 24, was detained on Monday, August 11, and faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm, as per the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials reported that deputies arrived at the Del Rio Apartments shortly after 2:15 p.m. on May 29, 2023, in response to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the vicinity.

Washington was found dead in front of the complex. Authorities said he suffered a gunshot wound.

Investigations later revealed that a gold Hyundai Elantra had been seen passing by the apartments, from which someone fired shots before the vehicle drove off.

Investigators now believe the shooter was Whittaker.

The Hyundai Elantra’s driver, identified as 28-year-old Jalen Lavar Rogers, was arrested on June 15, 2023, and charged as a principal to premeditated first-degree murder, authorities stated.

“Justice does not fade with time,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our team of detectives committed over two years of effort to hold everyone involved in this murder accountable. This arrest exemplifies their steadfast dedication to the victim, his family, and the community.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New Smyrna Beach Says ‘No’ to Peddle Pubs: What This Means for Local Tourism

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – In a decisive move, the New Smyrna…

Driver Allegedly ‘Teleports’ into Stolen BMW Before Volusia County Crash: Unbelievable Claim Stuns Deputies

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – In an unusual twist, a 36-year-old man involved…

Flagler County Detective Cleared of Charges in Ormond Beach Incident

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detective, previously accused…

Kenny Hawkins Honored as ‘Champion of Kids’ by Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton

In Elizabethton, Tennessee, News Channel 11’s Sports Director, Kenny Hawkins, received a…

Microsoft’s $17.5 Billion Boost: Transforming India’s AI and Cloud Landscape

NEW DELHI – Microsoft has made a landmark announcement, committing $17.5 billion…

Luigi Mangione’s Personal Reminders: ‘Groom Eyebrows’ and ‘Maintain Momentum as FBI Slows Overnight

NEW YORK – Eyebrow grooming, discreet footwear choices, and nighttime travel were…

Bristol’s Community Initiative Secures Additional $20K Boost from City Council

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) – In a recent decision, the Bristol, Virginia City…

Texas Senate Race Reveals Democratic Divide on Trump Strategy for Midterms

WASHINGTON – In the early stages of her Senate bid, a congresswoman…

Heartbreaking Case Unveiled: Johnson City Couple Faces Serious Child Abuse Charges

In a concerning development, authorities in Washington County, Tennessee, have detained a…

GOP Voices Concern Over Spanberger’s New Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Selection

Virginia Republicans have voiced their disapproval of Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s decision to…

Devastating Drone Strike on Sudan Oil Field Escalates Tensions, Jeopardizes South Sudan’s Economy

JUBA – In a tragic escalation, a drone strike executed by the…

Experience Holiday Magic at Covered Bridge Park: A Festive Celebration Awaits!

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – This week, the festive spirit is alive and…