Inmate Tries To Hire Hitman While Awaiting Trial On Murder: Sheriff

BRANDON, FL — A 19-year-old man accused of killing a Brandon teen now faces additional charges after the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said he tried to solicit a hitman in the county jail to kill a prime witness in his case.

Detectives arrested Jadon Christian Felix Saunders-Rigueur and charged him with solicitation to commit murder on top of the first-degree murder charge he already faces.

According to the sheriff's office, an inmate came forward with information that Saunders-Rigueur, who is in jail awaiting his trial, tried to hire another inmate to kill the witness.

"Rather than taking the time to reflect on his poor actions and feel remorse over his first offense, this man continues to choose a life of crime, going as far as to attempt to cut someone's life short for his perceived gain," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. " It's sickening to see the lengths he will go through to harm others. There is no doubt that the diligent work of our detectives led to this witness' protection."

On Oct. 2, 2021, Saunders-Rigueur, then 17, was arrested for his involvement in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in the parking lot of the Lakeshore Apartment Complex at 1722 Lakewood Shores Lane in Brandon, according to the sheriff.

Saunders-Rigueur was charged with first-degree felony murder while engaged in robbery, third-degree murder with a firearm, robbery with a firearm and purchase of marijuana.