Tampa murder suspect arrested in Spring Hill

SPRING HILL A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting last week in Tampa was apprehended Tuesday night.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip shortly before 8 p.m. The tipster told authorities Joshua Thomas, 23, was staying at 5501 Roble Ave., according to a media release.

Detectives in Hillsborough County were told by eyewitnesses that a black 2000 Chevrolet SUV was seen several times in the area of the shooting, which took place the morning of Nov. 23 at 5490 Friarsway Drive.

Authorities determined Thomas was the driver of the SUV.

Another witness told detectives Thomas had confessed to the crime, according to the media release.

Hernando deputies converged on the house at Roble and took Thomas into custody without incident.

The suspect was brought to the Hernando County Jail where he was awaiting a transfer to Hillsborough.

The victim of the shooting, Rafael Perez, was slain eight days after his 31st birthday.

His body was discovered by his roommate, who arrived home shortly before 5 a.m. that morning, authorities said.

Deputies said Perez died as a result of “multiple gunshot wounds.”

One witness told detectives Perez and Thomas were seen inside the house at Friarsway one day before Perez was found dead, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives said they have not established a clear motive, but they think the crime was drug-related.

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