UPDATE, May 18, 2023:
Carlos Almaraz-Barbosa, 26, has been located by the United States Marshall's Service in Houston, Texas.
He has been placed into custody for 2nd Degree Murder, Abuse of a Dead Human Body, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
Alamaraz-Barbosa is the second suspect arrested in connection with a Ruskin homicide in April, where a man was found deceased with upper body trauma, and the body was set on fire.
"Our detectives never stopped working this brutal case," said Sheriff Chad Chronsiter. "The callous individuals arrested will now be held accountable for their despicable actions. I know nothing can replace the life lost, but I hope the victim's family finds peace knowing all those responsible are behind bars."
Almaraz-Barbosa will await extradition to Hillsborough County.
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
UPDATE, May 5, 2023: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested one suspect in connection to a homicide in Ruskin and is currently searching for a second suspect.
On April 21, 2023, HCSO arrested Christian Segura-Alvarez for his involvement in the death of a man who was found with upper body trauma and was set on fire.
"As law enforcement officers, we witness devastating tragedies, but nothing could prepare you for the level of inhumanity in this investigation," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our detectives worked with an unwavering determination to pursue every lead and analyze every piece of evidence until they uncovered the truth behind this senseless act of violence."
Through investigative means, detectives determined that Segura-Alvarez and a second suspect, Carlos Almaraz-Barbosa, were involved in the victim's tragic death. Detectives are currently searching for Almaraz-Barbosa, who has active warrants for 2nd Degree Murder, Abuse of a Dead Human Body, Tampering With Physical Evidence, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
"While we believe this to be an isolated incident, this man clearly has no regard for human life, and we are committed to closing this case with his arrest," said Sheriff Chronister. "I urge anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts to come forward and help us to bring this victim's family the closure they deserve."
Anyone with information is asked to contact HCSO at (813) 247-8200.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide in Ruskin.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023 shortly after 8:00 a.m., a 911 caller advised that they drove by what appeared to be a mannequin on fire in an open field behind a residential area in the 1100 block of Will Scarlett Avenue.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to extinguish the flames and determined the subject was a deceased person. The victim was found with upper body trauma, and due to the severity of the burns, the body cannot be identified.
“This is a jarring scene,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “At this time, our deputies are doing everything they can to determine what happened to this person. We do believe this is an isolated incident, and we will continue to work tirelessly until we determine how this horrific crime occurred.”
