2nd Man Sought In Death Of Man Set On Fire In Ruskin Field

RUSKIN, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is continuing its search for a second man involved in a homicide on April 15 in which a man's body was set on fire in a field.

The sheriff's office arrested Christian Segura-Alvarez April 21 in connection to the homicide in Ruskin but believe a second man, Carlos Almaraz-Barbosa, was involved as well.

On April 15, shortly after 8 a.m., a 911 caller reported driving by what appeared to be a mannequin on fire in an open field behind a residential area in the 1100 block of Will Scarlett Avenue.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to extinguish the flames and determined that it was a body on fire. The victim was found with upper body trauma and, due to the severity of the burns, cannot be identified.

"As law enforcement officers, we witness devastating tragedies, but nothing could prepare you for the level of inhumanity in this investigation," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our detectives worked with an unwavering determination to pursue every lead and analyze every piece of evidence until they uncovered the truth behind this senseless act of violence."

The investigation led detectives to Segura-Alvarez, who was arrested, and Almaraz-Barbosa, who has so far evaded capture.

Related: Person Killed, Set On Fire In Field Behind Residential Area In Ruskin

Almaraz-Barbosa has active warrants for second-degree murder, abuse of a dead human body, tampering with physical evidence and grand theft of a motor vehicle.

"While we believe this to be an isolated incident, this man clearly has no regard for human life, and we are committed to closing this case with his arrest," said Sheriff Chronister. "I urge anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts to come forward and help us to bring this victim's family the closure they deserve."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.

"Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate every lead and piece of evidence. I am immensely proud of their unwavering dedication to solving this heinous crime, " said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "However, we cannot do this alone. We are committed to bringing justice for the victim and their family, but we need the public's assistance."