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UPDATE: Death Investigation in Gibsonton

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 20-123

Date

Thursday May 7, 2020 5:11 PM

Location

10000 block of Ethel Street Gibsonton, FL
UPDATE: Death Investigation in Gibsonton

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 10000 block of Ethel Street in Gibsonton last week. 

On May 7, 2020, deputies responded to a home on Ethel Street after HCSO received a 911 call of a person down. When deputies arrived, they found a deceased adult male with upper body trauma inside the home. 

During the course of the investigation, Devonte Medina-Hightower, 20, was developed as a person of interest in the case. He later became a suspect after further investigation. Medina-Hightower was already in custody for Violation Of Probation and Felon In Possession Of A Firearm charges from a previous incident. He was arrested on additional charges, including Murder In The First Degree With A Weapon.

"My heart goes out to the man who suffered greatly during his final breaths," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I commend our homicide detectives for their diligence and dedication to make the arrest, and hopefully bring some level of closure to the victim's family and friends. This suspect's acts are despicable, and he will be charged to the fullest extent." 

Medina-Hightower remains in custody at the Orient Road Jail on no bond.

This is an ongoing and active investigation. 

ARRESTED
NAME: Devonte Medina-Hightower
AGE: 20
CHARGES: Felon In Possession Of A Firearm (x3), Violation Of Probation (VOP), Murder In The First Degree With A Weapon, Robbery $300 Or More But Less Than $20,000 Firearm - Great Bodily Harm/Death, Arson First Degree Dwelling, Armed Burglary Of A Structure, Attempted Tampering With Physical Evidence Destroy