Two suspects in custody for local murders
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects in connection to a pair of homicides in Dover and Thonotosassa.
Deputies took Fatima Garcia Avila, 20, into custody on July 30 and Daniel Negrete, 27, on Aug. 1.
On July 18, Garcia Avila and Negrete drove together to the home of an adult female on the 3000 block of Al Simmons Road. Deputies found the female deceased due to gunshot wounds. Her husband, who was also shot, called 911. He survived the incident and was said to be in stable condition.
Garcia Avila and Negrete left the residence in separate vehicles, one of which was found in close proximity to the home after it had been set on fire.
A week later, on July 26, authorities responded to the Baker Creek Boat Ramp at 12095 Thonotosassa Rd. where they found the body of an adult male who had suffered upper body trauma. Detectives determined that Negrete and Garcia Avila were there at the time of the killing and that they are directly linked to the murder.
Detectives confirmed that in both incidents, the victims were not killed at random and they, along with the perpetrators, have familial ties.
“These senseless killings have forever changed at least two families,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Ending someone’s life cannot — and should not — be the answer to any situation. Detectives are still connecting the dots to determine the motive behind the two murders and if there are others involved. I pray that these arrests, while they won’t bring home their loved ones, will give the families affected some closure.”
Local baton twirlers compete nationally
A group of local Plant City baton twirlers competed at the National Baton Twirling Association Championships (AYOP) at the University of Notre Dame last month. The twirlers, all four of them finishing within the top 15 at the competition, are a part of the Patrick Patriots Twirling Corp, led by long-time instructor Barbara Patrick.
Raelyn Hudson, Lorelai Benfield, Millie Rigdon and Kaylee Hudson all traveled to Indiana to represent the Patrick Patriots, joining the University of Central Florida Majorettes, led by Patrick’s daughter Lynann Hudson.
Hudson finished second in Advanced Flag, second in Beginner 3-Baton and third in Intermediate 2-Baton. Benfield finished fifth in Beginner Flag, seventh in Novice 2-Baton and fifth in Novice Duet. Rigdon finished eighth in Beginner Pageant, fourth in Beginner Solo, second in Beginner 2-Baton, second in Beginner Flag, sixth in Beginner 3-Baton, fifth in Novice Duet and first in Beginner X-Strut. Kaylee Hudson finished within the top 15 for both Intermediate 2-Baton and Beginner 3-Baton.
As members of the Patrick Patriots Twirling Corp, all of the twirlers take lessons at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center and classes will begin in preparation for next year’s competition season this Thursday, Aug. 11, with beginner classes taking place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., intermediate classes taking place from 4:30 to 5:30 and competition classes from 5:30 to 6:30. If interested in joining and to inquire about free classes for newcomers, please contact Barbara Patrick at 813-626-4554.