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Release Number: 09-306   (09-309)

For Immediate Release

Public Information Office

November 11, 2009

Debbie Carter: dcarter@hcso.tampa.fl.us

(813) 247-8060

 

 

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Update November 13, 2009 -

 

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant for the arrest of Christopher Grim in connection with the homicide of Anthony Prather which occurred on November 11, 2009 at 2245 E. Fletcher Avenue (Citgo Station).

 

 

 

On November 11, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. within the parking lot at 2245 E. Fletcher Avenue, the defendant Christopher Grim entered the vehicle registered to the victim, Anthony Prather on the passenger side.  The defendant was within the vehicle for approximately 1 minute before exiting and fleeing on foot southbound on 23 street.  The victim exited with a gunshot wound to the neck and collapsed several feet from his vehicle.  The victim stated to a witness and the deputy that "Chris shot me and he is the last one who called my cell phone".  The defendant and victim's interaction was also captured on video surveillance.  A latent finger print matching the defendant was located on the exterior passenger door upper frame of the victim’s car.  Cellular telephone tolls requested for the victim's cell phone note a call made by the defendant from his cell phone to the victim occurring at 9:04 p.m. on November 11, 2009 approximately 1 minute before the defendant enters the victims car and 3 minutes before the victim exits his vehicle with a gunshot wound.  The victim also advised "Chris" shot him when asked by another deputy at the scene while in the ambulance prior to transport.  The victim was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he later expired.  The cause of death is gunshot wound of the neck with laceration of trachea.  The manner of death is homicide.

 

A warrant for 2nd Degree Murder with a firearm has been issued for the arrest of Christopher Grim, DOB 5-1-90 last known address of 17804 Canary Point Lane, Tampa. 

 

 

Anyone with any information reference the whereabouts of Christopher Grim is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office or Crimestoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

 

 

Grim is described as a white male, 5'1", medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair.

 

 

 

 

Victim:

Anthony J. Prather,  DOB 3-5-84

5035 Southampton Circle, Tampa

 

Suspect:

Black male, 6’6”, medium build, white t-shirt, black pants, armed with handgun
What:

Shooting/homicide
When:

November 11, 2009 at 8:08 p.m.
Where:

Citgo Station

2245 Fletcher Avenue East
Why/How:

 

 

 

 

 

The victim pulled up to the Citgo station in his vehicle.  An unknown male walked up and entered the victim's vehicle.  Shots were fired inside the vehicle; the suspect exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The victim then exited the vehicle and made his way to the front of the station where he collapsed outside the building.   The victim was transported to a local hospital where he expired. 

 

Deputies believe that the incident is possibly drug related as there was a quantity of drugs discovered in the victim's vehicle.

 

Anyone with any information reference the homicide is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.