Gavin Alexander Wolden, DOB 5-4-97, 26327 Green Willow Run, Wesley Chapel
Benjamin Aakeem Smiley, DOB 7-21-98, 32720 Tyndall Rd, Zephyrhills
Israel Montanez, DOB 5-18-99, 13613 N 21st St #202, Tampa
On 9/10/2021, officers responded to a report of shots heard in the area of the 2900 block of N. 17th St. Upon arrival they found the victim, an adult male, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
After developing leads, Tampa Police Homicide Detectives established probable cause to arrest Gavin Wolden, Benjamin Smiley, and Israel Montanez for Burglary of a Conveyance with the Intent to Commit a Battery, and Felony Murder in the 1st Degree. At the time of arrest, Gavin Wolden was already in prison on other charges; he has additionally been charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Through investigation, it was learned that the defendants and the victim all knew each other, and this was not a random act. The three defendants arrested began physically assaulting the victim, who was in his vehicle at the time. This escalated to shots being fired and the victim being killed.