Hillsborough Detectives Seek Man In Year-Old Homicide Of Child

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a man accused in the death of a child.

On Monday, Jan. 11, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Claude Brooks, 33, following a year-long investigation.

On Dec. 30, 2019, deputies and paramedics responded to a home in the 9000 block of Sunset Drive in Tampa where a family member found a young child unresponsive. After being taken to Brandon Regional Hospital, the child died.

After conducting interviews, collecting forensic evidence and reviewing autopsy results that indicated the child sustained serious physical injuries, detectives issued a warrant for Brooks' arrest.

"Detectives have been working this case for more than a year, determined to uncover the real reason why this innocent child died," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "At the time of the call, deputies did not find any indication of foul play, but after further investigation, detectives obtained enough evidence to charge Brooks with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse."

Anyone who sees or knows where Brooks is located is urged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.