TAMPA, Fla. — A teenager was arrested in connection to the death of Jevario Buie, a 14-year-old boy who was found near railroad tracks in Tampa on April 17, according to officials.
The Tampa Police Department said officers responded to reports of gunfire that Wednesday around 3:30 p.m. Buie was found near Busch Boulevard and Rome Avenue, where he died from his injuries.
According to TPD, surveillance footage from nearby homes showed Buie, a 15-year-old, and a third unidentified person walking together between 2:41 p.m. and 3:27 p.m. Then, at 3:33 p.m., TPD said the 15-year-old and Buie were seen on video walking north on North Rome Avenue towards a dead end near the scene.
The 15-year-old was the last person known to have been with Buie minutes before the crime, according to police. At 3:36 p.m., police said the 15-year-old was seen walking west and south away from the scene without Buie.
"It's clear there was a feud," said Chief Lee Bercaw during a press conference Thursday.
During the investigation, detectives found records of the 15-year-old communicating with Buie before the murder, as well as social media messages, notes, and search history, which pointed to his involvement.
Detectives added that in one of the messages exchanged on social media, the 15-year-old disclosed details about the case that weren't public yet.
"I want to send a clear example that the City of Tampa, no matter your age, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Chief Bercaw. "Juveniles in Tampa do not get a pass."
Officers took the 15-year-old into custody on Dec. 4. He is being charged with one felony count of murder in the first degree, one felony count of carrying a concealed firearm, one felony count of tampering with physical evidence, and one misdemeanor count of minor in possession of a firearm.
"This has been a difficult journey for Jevario's family. Not only did they lose their precious son, but they also had been living without answers. Now, our prosecutors will be able to hold his killer accountable and seek justice for Jevario,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “This defendant will be charged as an adult in this case. When you make adult decisions, you must be prepared to face adult consequences in Hillsborough County. Thank you to the Tampa Police Department for their tireless efforts in investigating this case."
Buie's family stood beside officials on Thursday as the announcement of the arrest was made, a day they've waited more than 200 days for.
"I've been living in a nightmare since I lost my son, and now I can feel a little bit of closure," said Jasmine Baldwin, Buie's mother.
Buie's loved ones want the teen to be remembered as the goofy kid who loved football, family, and won't soon be forgotten.
"We want him to be remembered for that infectious smile," said Michael Baldwin, Buie's grandfather. "That's how we want him to be remembered."
