Suspected Murderer Arrested in Tampa Palms

A man accused of shooting three people and killing one of them has been arrested in Tampa Palms.

Richard R. Jennings, 20, of Tavares, was arrested Monday, April 8, at Tampa Palms Boulevard and South Compton Drive, according to Hillsborough County jail records.

A warrant was issued for Jennings’ arrest in July after the Tavares shooting, but Jennings has eluded capture, according to police.

“The Tampa Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit along with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force received information that the suspect may be hiding in the Tampa area,” a media release from the Tampa Police Department stated. “Surveillance was established at a relative’s house in the New Tampa area and the suspect was seen getting into a car.”

Receive updates to this story and other breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here.

Law enforcement officers blocked the car and took Jennings into custody, the release states.

Jennings is being held with no bond in the Hillsborough County jail on charges of murder in the first degree and aggravated battery with a weapon, as well as drug and firearm possession charges.