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Tampa Police Make Arrest in Early Morning Homicide


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At 1:20 in the morning of June 24, Tampa Police were dispatched to the 7-Eleven at 4943 E Busch Blvd for the report of a suspect stomping a victim who was unconscious. Officers arrived and found the elderly black male victim, unresponsive, on the ground in the parking lot with significant upper body trauma. Officers immediately began CPR, providing life-saving measures until Tampa Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives worked to review surveillance footage, develop leads, and conduct witness interviews, leading to the identification of 39-year-old, black male, Taron Criner as the suspect.

At approximately 7:08 AM, officers spotted Criner walking near the roadway of E. Busch Blvd in front of the 7-Eleven and appeared to be wearing the same clothing as seen in surveillance video. Apparent blood spatter was observed on the Criner’s clothing. After positive identification, Criner was arrested and charged with murder. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.