Tampa Republic

Tampa Police have arrested Jahmir Moore, 15, in connection with the murder of Jevario Buie, a 14-year-old. The incident occurred on April 17, 2024, shortly after 3:30 p.m., when officers responded to gunfire reports near the 1400 block of W. Busch Blvd. Jevario was found near railroad tracks between Busch Blvd. and Rome Ave., where he succumbed to his injuries.

Video footage from nearby residences showed Buie, Moore, and another individual walking together between 2:41 p.m. and 3:27 p.m. At 3:33 p.m., Moore and Buie were seen walking northbound on N Rome Ave towards a dead end close to the scene. Moore was the last known person with Buie minutes before the murder.

By 3:36 p.m., Moore was observed walking away from the scene without Jevario. Detectives uncovered records of communication between Moore and Buie before the murder, along with social media messages, notes, and search history implicating Moore's involvement. One message contained details not publicly available at that time.

On December 4, 2024, Tampa Police Department members, in collaboration with the US Marshals Task Force, arrested Moore. He has been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder.

“The loss of a child, especially in such a tragic manner, is unfathomable,” stated Chief Lee Bercaw. “I am incredibly appreciative of our detectives' hard work that led to this arrest but most importantly brought closure for Jevario’s mother and his family.”

State Attorney Suzy Lopez commented on the case saying: "This has been a difficult journey for Jevario's family. Not only did they lose their precious son, but they also had been living without answers. Now our prosecutors will be able to hold his killer accountable and seek justice for Jevario.” She added that Moore will be charged as an adult in this case.

Chief Lee Bercaw held a press conference following Moore's arrest.