A recent homicide investigation in Tampa has come to a head with the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect. Justin Hawker is facing a charge of Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, in connection to the death of Andie Morrell, aged 37, found deceased last Friday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reports.
Following an intensive investigation following the grisly discovery, detectives traced leads to a residence on Polak Drive located within Hillsborough County. The efforts of law enforcement culminated in identifying and apprehending Hawker – the said perpetrator of the crime. In the words of Sheriff Chad Chronister, “It is awful to see a crime like this and to see someone so young resort to such violence.” His statement also acknowledged the collaborative effort with the Tampa Police Department, emphasizing a communal commitment to reckon with, and stem the tide against violent crime across their jurisdiction.
The Sheriff's Office has not revealed detailed specifics about the homicide or the circumstances leading up to the arrest. The available information, pulled from the aforementioned social media announcement, primarily outlines the broad strokes of the case, the arrest, and the charge that Hawker is now facing.
Further information about the case, including updates on legal proceedings, may surface at a later time. Interested individuals can follow the ongoing developments through the Sheriff's Office press releases or by tracking court records pertaining to the case.
