Crime & Safety

Suspect Arrested in Carrollwood Homicide

The man was taken into custody in Hernando County.

Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested the man wanted in connection with a Nov. 23 Carrollwood homicide.

Joshua Charles Thomas, 23, was arrested last night, Nov. 29, after Hernando officials received an anonymous tip leading to his location.

According to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office media release, Thomas was booked into the Hernando County Jail. He faces second-degree murder charges.

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The body of Rafael Perez, 31, was discovered in his home at 5490 Friarsway Drive in Carrollwood around 4:49 a.m. Nov. 23. Perez’s roommate returned home to find the body, the release said.

Perez was shot multiple times.

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Hillsborough County homicide detectives conducted a number of interviews in the neighborhood following the incident and discovered that a 2000 black Chevrolet Suburban was seen at the home about 20 minutes before the roommate arrived and had been present at the home numerous times in the past.

Thomas was identified as the driver and was named a person of interest in the case shortly thereafter.

The motive in the shooting remains unclear, but  deputies suspect drugs are involved, the media release said.

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