After a decade-long investigation conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Cold Case Unit (HCSO), detectives have officially arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old from Tampa.
Back in March of 2014, deputies found the 23-year-old, Damien Bowie, fatally shot at the Avesto Del Rio Apartments in Tampa, located at 5013 E Sligh Avenue. Through details obtained during their 10-year-long investigation, detectives were able to determine that Javonte Dennard, 33, had shot Bowie in the parking lot after attacking him.
Dennard, who is currently serving time in prison for other unrelated charges, now faces additional charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Fabrication or Use of False Physical Evidence for Bowie’s murder.
Detectives also arrested 37-year-old Deandra Jenkins after determining he was at the scene of the crime, and may have agreed with, and/or, assisted Dennard in setting up the shooting of the 23-year-old. Jenkins faces Principal to Second Degree Murder charges for being in possession of a firearm connected to the crime.
Deandra Jenkins, 37, mugshot. Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | Press Release
36-year-old, Brittney White, was also arrested in connection to the shooting. She faces charges of Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder, as well as the Fabrication or Use of False Physical Evidence.
Brittney White, 36, mugshot. Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | Press Release
“Even after nearly a decade, our detectives never gave up on seeking justice for Mr. Bowie and his family,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are finally able to make these arrests and hold the responsible individuals accountable for this senseless act of violence. We will continue to stop at nothing to bring closure to victims’ families, no matter how much time has passed.”
According to Florida Law, those who face capital felony charges for murder could potentially receive the death penalty as punishment if convicted. In the case of a Second Degree Murder charge, a sentencing of up to 15 years in prison is standard.
As of publication, deeper investigation into the murder is ongoing; no additional details have been released at this time. HCSO states that any further updates regarding the case will come from their Public Affairs Office.
