A 17-year-old Florida boy has been arrested for the murder of a man who was found dead in an empty lot in Tampa earlier this month.
Officials said James McClendon, 34, was reported missing on December 9, Tampa Police said. McClendon’s car was found abandoned, with a spent 9mm shell casing.
Then, on December 11, they found McClendon’s body in a lot about nine blocks from where his car was found. The medical examiner said he died from a gunshot wound.
“As detectives moved forward, they were able to confirm that McClendon drove to a gas station in the 2900 block of N. 50th St earlier that evening,” Tampa police said. “There, he picked up a passenger,” who police say was later identified as the suspect.
The suspect was wearing “distinct clothing and bright blue footwear,” police said. They identified the teen as a the suspect and obtained a search warrant for his home, where they found a 9mm shell casing.
“It is our hope that this arrest will allow the family and friends of James McClendon to begin the healing process as they navigate this tragic loss,” Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw said. “Our detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the person responsible will be held accountable for his actions.”
The boy is being held at the Juvenile Assessment Center.
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