2 Arrests Made in Commerce Street Murder

While the suspect in the fatal shooting of a Tampa man found dead on Commerce Street Sept. 6 remains at large, two arrests have been made in connection with the case.

The Tampa Police Department announced it has arrested Ezekiel Marc, 20, and a 16-year-old girl on charges related to the case. Marc was arrested earlier this week for being an accessory after the fact to an armed robbery involving a firearm. The 16-year-old girl, who Patch is not identifying, has been charged as an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Her arrest was announced Thursday.

Eion Gustitis’ body was found by a pedestrian walking on Commerce Street on Sept. 6. Though there was no identification on the 18-year-old’s body, the man’s mother identified him.

“As a result of interviews with Gustitis’ friends and acquaintances, Tampa Police have determined that Gustitis was suspected of stealing someone’s cell phone and approximately 10 grams of marijuana while at a party,” an email to media from the police department stated. The person whose property was stolen asked the 16-year-old girl and two others to “take care of it,” the email said.

On Sept. 5, Marc is said to have picked up Gustitis at his home. He then took him to a home at 9711 Commerce St., the email said. At some point late on Sept. 5 or early on Sept. 6, Marc, the teenage girl, another person and Gustitis were in a car along Commerce Street. Gustitis, police said, and the suspect got out of the car.

Gustitis did not return. The suspect, however, did and was carrying the victim’s shorts and money, the email said. Police say the person informed Marc that “it’s done” and gave him money taken from Gustitis’ body.

The girl told detectives she later threw the gun used in the shooting and a box of bullets into a lake, the police department email said. The police department recovered the bullets and a Jennings .22 caliber pistol from the lake.

Gustitis, police wrote, was killed with a .22 caliber bullet.

Anyone with information in the case or who knows the identity of the shooter is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted online by visiting www.crimestopperstb.com.

Booking photo of Ezekiel Marc courtesy of the Tampa Police Department