Previous coverage: Death investigation underway in Tampa
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested on Friday in connection with another man’s death that happened in Tampa last weekend.
On June 13, just before 6:20 p.m. officers with the Tampa Police Department responded to the 1900 block of West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard after reports of an unresponsive man.
At the scene, officers reported finding the body of a man who appeared to have sustained “suspicious” injuries.
The Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s death was caused by being beaten and ruled the death a homicide.
Detectives immediately launched an investigation during which they reviewed nearby surveillance video that showed another man in the area around the same time as the victim.
According to the Tampa Police Department, that man was identified as 36-year-old Mel Mcray Jr.
Detectives also spoke with a witness who told them that Mcray said he beat up another man who tried to rob him last Saturday, the day the body was found.
During an interview with Mcray, detectives said that he initially denied being involved in a fight but did acknowledge he had been in the area. However, he later admitted to hitting the victim several times stating they had never met.
Investigators said that Mcray also told them he took items from the victim’s pockets.
The victim’s wallet and other items were recovered with Mcray’s belongings, detectives report.
On Friday, the Tampa Police Department arrested Mcray and charged him with premeditated murder in the first degree and robbery of less than $750.
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