UPDATE: August 14, 2023
On August 14, 2023, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the Pasco Sheriff's Office, arrested another suspect in connection to a murder in Seffner on July 20, 2023.
Phillip Stapleton, 32, was taken into custody for the following charges:
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Principal to Murder in the First Degree
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Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder
Today’s arrest comes after HCSO arrested Aurelio Diaz, 32, for the murder of a woman who was in her car in front of her home on the 4000 block of Orange Street.
"This arrest is another example of the tenacity with which our detectives continue to pursue leads to crimes here in Hillsborough County," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our team works each tip relentlessly to remove any danger they can to the community that we serve."
Stapleton was taken into custody without incident in Pasco County. When a mugshot is available, HCSO will share it to social media.
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
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UPDATE: JULY 21, 2023
Detectives have arrested the person responsible for the murder of a woman inside a vehicle at her home.
On July 20, 2023, teamHCSO gathered enough probable cause to identify Aurelio Diaz, 32, as the killer of a woman who was in her car in front of her home on the 4000 block of Orange Street. Diaz fatally shot the victim through a window of her car as she arrived home around 1 a.m. on July 20. Diaz was arrested without incident that same day just after 8:30 p.m. about a mile away from the victim’s home.
The HCSO Aviation Unit was able to provide surveillance from the air of the arrest.
“A killer is off the streets, all thanks to the prompt action, meticulous investigation, and unwavering determination of everyone who worked on the case,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We hope this helps bring some closure to the victim’s family as they start the road to seeing justice for their loved one.”
Diaz was booked into the Orient Road Jail and charged with Murder in the First Degree Premeditated Firearm - Discharge.
This is still an active investigation. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about this incident to call 813-247-8200.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.
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ORIGINAL RELEASE: JULY 20, 2023
Detectives are working to find the killer of a woman who was brutally murdered in front of her own home Thursday morning.
On July 20, 2023, at 1:15 a.m., the communication center received a call from a person who did not or was not able to speak to the dispatcher.
When deputies arrived to the 4000 block of Orange Street in Seffner, they found a woman inside a vehicle deceased with severe upper body trauma.
“I’m saddened by the viciousness of this crime to a woman who was just getting home after a long day," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives are working diligently to find the person who committed this cold-blooded murder and ensure the victim’s family sees justice for their loved one.”
Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators are working the scene to determine the person responsible. The public is not believed to be in any danger related to this crime.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about this incident to call 813-247-8200. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.
The investigation continues, and any new information will come from the Public Affairs Office.