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.”
