A car believed to be connected with a double murder in Brandon was recovered in the Dover area.
Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee has identified Charles Andre Martinez, 24, as a person of interest in the case. Martinez has no permanent address listed but is still believe to be in Hillsborough County. Currently, Martinez has two outstanding warrants, unrelated to this investigation, for home invasion robbery and false imprisonment issued out of Hillsborough County.
The 2000 Mazda four-door detectives were searching for was recovered in the Dover area. This vehicle believed to be driven by Martinez will be processed for evidence.
According to Sheriff’s Office reports, two women, ages 23 and 24, were found dead inside a unit at the Carlisle Club Townhomes, 1528 Highland Ridge Circle, Brandon. The home had fire and smoke damage; investigators believe the fire was started to cover up the crime.
Homicide detectives, crime scene investigators, fire investigators and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner still were conducting their investigations late into the night Oct. 10.
The Medical Examiner, along with homicide detectives, have concluded the two women died from homicidal violence. Tentative identification has been made on both deceased women; however, their identities are not being released until positive ID has been made. Families of the two women are being updated of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone who may have seen or knows the whereabouts of Charles Martinez should call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, (813) 247-8200 or call Crimestoppers, 1 (800) 873-TIPS.