Tie Between Homicides Remains Under Investigation

SARASOTA, FL — A double homicide in Bradenton and the death of a man whose body was found in Sarasota on Saturday may be linked, authorities say. Investigators, however, are not yet comfortable making the connection.

“At this time, we’re continuing to work with investigators from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to determine possible connections to a double homicide they are currently investigating,” Sarasota Police Department spokeswoman Genevieve Judge wrote in a Monday morning email to media.

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The death in Sarasota’s jurisdiction was discovered around 7:30 a.m. Aug. 5 when a man’s body was found at Bahia Vista Street and Yale Avenue. The man has since been identified as Andre S. Bryant, 31, whose last known address was in Palmetto.

Sarasota police have not released suspect information in the case, but are asking anyone with information to step forward by calling Det. Maria Llovio at 941-364-7336.

Meanwhile, authorities in Manatee County have released some details about the double homicide that unfolded in Bradenton on Saturday. Deputies say the crime occurred early Saturday morning when a 25-year-old woman returned to a home in the 1100 block of Harvard Avenue and was accosted by several people while trying to get inside.

“The female was forced into a bedroom,” an email from the agency said. “While in the bedroom, the female heard yelling and then gunshots.”

The woman was able to escape the home and notify the sheriff’s office.

Two males were found deceased in the home when the sheriff's office arrived, the email said. One of the men has been identified as Rodney Williams, 23, of Tampa. The second victim Keith Lamar Jones, 28, of Jacksonville.

"Detectives believe Williams arrived at the residence shortly after the female returned home," a Saturday evening email from the agency stated. "Williams was with the boyfriend of the female and possibly one other subject." Deputies say Williams and those he was with encountered the suspects and an exchange of gunfire occurred.

Suspect information in the Bradenton case also has not been released. Deputies are asking for anyone with information about the deaths to contact them at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS.

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