In Maryland, the suspect accused of a double homicide on Tampa’s Riveredge Drive, where a 14-year-old and a 35-year-old woman were killed, has been apprehended.
The arrest of 25-year-old Jean Pierre Ojeda Salazar was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Maryland this week, in connection with the Central Florida double homicide that occurred on November 26th.
On the morning of November 26, 2023, around 8:53 am, police responded to the 14000 block of Riveredge Drive after receiving reports of a 14-year-old Hispanic female with serious injuries from multiple stab wounds.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims: a 35-year-old Hispanic female with similar injuries and the juvenile. The adult victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the juvenile victim was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased.
Detectives revealed that Salazar allegedly caused the fatal injuries to both victims during a verbal altercation with the adult victim. Immediately after the incident, Salazar fled the scene in a white sedan, which he later abandoned.
Through investigative efforts, detectives determined that Salazar had sought refuge in a Maryland residence, where the U.S. Marshals Capitol Area Fugitive Task Force subsequently took him into custody.
“Mourning the loss of a loved one, after their lives were taken in such a tragic manner, is unfathomable. During this difficult time, we will continue to provide support to the families of the victims involved,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated. “Salazar’s arrest proves that our detectives will stop at nothing to ensure that those who commit a crime, especially one as heinous as this one, are held accountable.”
Salazar faced charges of one count of first-degree murder with a weapon, one count of second-degree murder with a weapon, and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He was detained at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Maryland pending transport.
