DNA Connects Suspect Who Died In Jail To 2 Tamiami Trail Deaths: SPD

SARASOTA, FL — A recent report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement connected a suspect who died in jail to the second of two homicides along North Tamiami Trail earlier this year through a DNA match, according to a news release from Sarasota police.

The Sarasota Police Department believed William Devonshire, 52, “was a strong suspect” in the homicides of two women, “but could only charge him in one of the cases because of DNA evidence,” police said.

DNA from a homicide victim, a 59-year-old Sarasota woman who died in March, was found on Devonshire's clothing, SPD said. Her remains were found near the shore of Whitaker Bayou just before 4 p.m. on March 10.

During the investigation, Devonshire’s clothing was submitted to the FDLE for DNA processing. The Oct. 7 FDLE report said that the DNA found on his clothes matched the March 2022 homicide victim, according to police.

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Kelliann Ripley, 48, of Sarasota, was found dead in February near the Centennial Park boat ramp. Devonshire was arrested in March and was facing charges of murder in connection to her death, SPD said. Ripley’s family allowed her name to be released publicly.

Devonshire voluntarily gave a buccal swab for DNA comparison to Sarasota police on March 15. He was arrested March 25 by SPD in Pioneer Park on charges of trespassing, possession of cocaine, and possession of paraphernalia.

He died in Sarasota County Jail in June. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said that Devonshire was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital on May 17 following a medical event, according to police. SCSO and the District 12 Medical Examiner's Office said Devonshire died at the jail from a medical-related illness.

After his death, SPD closed the two homicide cases because of the death of Devonshire.

"We had indisputable evidence that linked Devonshire to both homicides that occurred in February and March," Captain Johnathan Todd, SPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, said. "Thanks to our partners at the FDLE, we expedited the DNA processing following the homicide in February, and we were able to arrest the suspect. Now, thanks to DNA evidence, we know Devonshire is responsible for both homicides.”

Devonshire had criminal histories in New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, Delaware and Florida, including charges of assault, aggravated harassment, disorderly contact, battery, burglary and trespassing. He was charged in 2003 and convicted in 2005 of murder in Delaware, SPD said.