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Arrest made after woman found dead inside Keystone home: HCSO

Keystone murder
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KEYSTONE, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man responsible for a murder inside a Hillsborough home early Monday morning.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to the home on Crescent Drive in Keystone after they received a 911 call about an unresponsive woman around 4:45 a.m.

When they arrived, deputies said they found the woman, later identified as 64-year-old Valerie Dandrea, inside the home with upper body trauma. She had already passed away.

During the investigation, detectives spoke to 53-year-old Cris Jennings, who lives on the property in a structure separate from the victim's home.

Jennings admitted to detectives that he had an argument over cash that escalated into him shooting Dandrea.

"Our deputies acted quickly to apprehend the suspect and bring some measure of closure to the victim's family," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This tragic incident underscores our commitment to ensuring that those who commit violent acts are held accountable."

Detectives also learned that Jennings threatened another person with a firearm at his home before deputies arrived.

Jennings has been charged with two counts of armed burglary with battery, one count of aggravated battery, one count of armed false imprisonment, and one count of premeditated first-degree murder.



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