The Tampa Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation following the discovery of a man's body in an desolate lot in East Tampa. WTSP reported that the deceased, identified as 34-year-old James McClendon Jr., was found with signs of upper body trauma.
Authorities were called to the scene around 11 a.m. on Friday, after a report was lodged concerning the body located on 18th Avenue E near N 28th Street. While the initial discovery was made on Friday, WTSP noted that the identification of the man as McClendon Jr. was not released until today by the police. As efforts by detectives to unravel the case continue, the Tampa Police Department has remained tight-lipped on details surrounding the death.
In their appeal for public assistance, the Tampa Police Department said, "Investigators are urging anyone in the community who may have seen or heard anything to come forward," adding that, "Even the smallest detail could be critical in helping bring answers to the McClendon family." This plea was echoed in a statement obtained by WTSP. The department has invited tips through their hotline at 813-231-6130 or through the Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS (8477).
The Medical Examiner's Office is tasked with determining the cause of death, which remains unclear at this juncture, as Fox13News reported. According to Fox13News, detectives are working to notify next of kin, in what presents as a somber duty amidst a community grappling with this tragic event. Further information concerning the investigation and the quest for leads was shared by TampaBay28, who also highlighted the active follow-up on leads by Tampa police.
As this story develops, more information is expected to be released by the Tampa Police Department.
