Tampa Republic

TAMPA, FL. (September 21, 2024) -- Tampa Police have arrested 30-year-old Jerome Parker on murder charges following a deadly shooting in Copeland Park last month.

On August 9, 2024, officers responded to a report of a shooting at 11001 N. 15th St. Arriving within minutes, officers located a black male in his early 20s suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A witness reported that an altercation between the suspect, later identified as Jerome Alexander Parker (B/M DOB: January 29, 1994), and the victim began over a package of socks. The two parties were not known to each other.

The witness informed investigators that after the victim found the socks on the ground, Parker accused him of stealing them. A physical altercation ensued, leading to Parker threatening the victim with a gun and the victim punching Parker. Parker then fired the gun, striking the victim and causing his death.

Detectives gathered evidence, including DNA, and developed leads throughout the investigation that led to successfully identifying Parker as a suspect.

“This was a completely senseless act of violence that took a young man’s life,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “I’m thankful that the diligent work of our detectives led to an arrest which, I hope, provides a small sense of closure for the loved ones of the victim.”

Parker is charged with Murder in the First-Degree Premeditated Firearm- Great Bodily Harm/Death.

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