TAMPA, Fla. – A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder after the body of a man was discovered last week in a vacant lot on North 39th Street in Tampa.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Justin Hawker, 17, was taken into custody Monday and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm in connection with the death of Andie Morrel, 37.
Police were initially called to the 1500 block of North 39th Street on Friday, where Morrel’s body was discovered in a vacant lot. At the time, the victim had not been identified, and authorities released few details about the case.
As the investigation developed, detectives were led to a home on Polak Drive in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Inside the residence, investigators found blood evidence, leading them to determine that the murder occurred at that location.
Hawker was identified as the suspect and later arrested.
“It is awful to see a crime like this and to see someone so young resort to such violence,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I appreciate the strong partnership we have with the Tampa Police Department. We will continue to hold violent offenders accountable and protect the safety of our community.”
The investigation into the homicide remains ongoing.
