Tampa Republic

Tampa Police have arrested 29-year-old Andre Aris in connection with the death of a 35-year-old man. On June 21, 2024, at approximately 11:54 a.m., officers responded to the 17000 block of Dona Michelle Drive following a report of a deceased individual.

Upon arrival, officers located a body in an advanced stage of decomposition. A Florida Driver’s License found at the scene was used to positively identify the adult male victim. Detectives determined that before the incident, the victim had been living in his car, identified as a red 2006 Dodge Charger. The vehicle was being driven by someone other than the decedent.

On June 22, 2024, through investigative means, officers located the victim’s vehicle parked at a residence on Madison Creek Drive and took Andre Aris into custody. Aris confirmed to detectives that he had met the victim one month prior and claimed that a week ago, the victim gave him the Dodge Charger to sell. In a later interview, Aris stated that the person who gave him the vehicle did not look like the victim; however, evidence showed Aris was in possession of several of the victim’s photo ID cards.

Detectives executed a search warrant at a storage facility and nearby hotel near where the victim was found. Evidence collected from these locations ultimately connected Aris to the murder.

As a result, Aris was charged with one felony count of murder in the first degree and one felony count of grand theft motor vehicle. He remains at Orient Road Jail.

Contact:

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

(813) 274-8211

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