20-Year-Old Murder Investigation In Tampa Closed After Suspect’s Death, Sheriff Says

TAMPA, FL — The 20-year-old investigation into the murder of a Tampa woman was recently closed after the suspect in her death died from natural causes before charges could be filed against him, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive woman, later identified as 31-year-old Tammy Fickey, behind an apartment on 21st Street North on March 12, 2005.

Fickey was found dead at the scene and her death was ruled a homicide, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators determined the crime happened inside a nearby apartment. While a person of interest was identified at the time, they didn’t have enough evidence to arrest him.

Cold case detectives reopened the investigation in November 2022, nearly 17 years later.

They reinterviewed both previous and new witnesses, and submitted additional evidence for forensic evidence.

During the renewed investigation, detectives focused again on the initial person of interest, Arthur “Heavy” Debose, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives interviewed Debose in December 2022 at RMC Correctional Facility, where he was incarcerated on unrelated drug charges.

During the interview, Debose made conflicting statements and shared specific details about Fickey’s death that could only be known by the person responsible, investigators said.

Detectives concluded that Debose, 54, was responsible for Fickey’s murder, but he died on June 17, 2024, before they could charge him in her death, the sheriff’s office said.

The agency has officially closed the case because of his death and notified Fickey’s next of kin.

“For 20 years, the name Tammy Fickey never left the minds of our investigators, because time does not diminish our responsibility to the victims we serve,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “While the suspect’s death prevents the accountability we pursue in every case, I am incredibly proud of the relentless work of our Cold Case Unit, whose dedication ensured the truth was uncovered and Tammy’s family was not forgotten.”

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