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Update: Detectives Arrest Suspect in Case of Body Found in Apartment Home

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 23-030

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Update: Detectives Arrest Suspect in Case of Body Found in Apartment Home

UPDATE: March 3, 2023

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled a death investigation that occurred on February 28, 2023, at the Avenue Apartments on the 9100 block of Ave Club Drive as a homicide. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives identified the man responsible as 52-year-old Thomas Sapp. Deputies arrested Sapp on March 3, 2023, without incident.

"I am grateful for the hard work and collaboration between our detectives and the Medical Examiner's Office to quickly determine the cause of death, and arrest the person responsible," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are grateful to report that the infant found on that horrible night is safe thanks to the efforts of the Hillsborough Child Protective Services."

Thomas Sapp is facing charges of 1st Degree Premeditated Murder, Sexual Battery (Serious Injury), and Child Neglect.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
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March 1, 2023

Detectives are conducting a death investigation of a person found inside their apartment home in Temple Terrace.

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., HCSO responded to The Avenue Apartments on the 9100 block of Ave Club Dr. to check on the welfare of a resident. Upon arrival, deputies entered the apartment unit and found a deceased person. Also in the unit was an infant, unharmed. Hillsborough Child Protective Services are involved and working with the family to ensure the infant is in a safe and loving home.

"As hard as it is for our detectives, deputies, and CSIs to investigate any death, it is especially heartbreaking when a child is involved," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends impacted as we work to get answers in what happened inside this home."

The official cause of death is pending the autopsy report from the Hillsborough Medical Examiner's Office. There is no apparent threat to the public in this case.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200. If you want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

Any further updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.