Best of 2012: Police Arrest 2 Suspects in Village Oaks Shooting

As 2012 comes to a close, Temple Terrace Patch is taking a look back at the year that was.

Each year has its highs and lows, and one of this year’s worst lows in Temple Terrace is arguably the murder of JoBree Platt in September.

Platt, 31, of Lutz, had been visiting a relative at the Village Oaks Apartments, located at 8575 Montravail Circle, according to police. The two had gone out overnight. As they returned to the complex at about 4:50 a.m. on Sept. 4, they encountered a shooter in the breezeway near the elevator. After a verbal confrontation ensued, the shooter pulled a handgun and fired, hitting and killing Platt.

It took police about a month to track down the two suspects, who were arrested in October. The first, Edward Lavon Larry, 29, was arrested at 2 a.m. on Oct. 10. Larry, of Riverview, is charged with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact. The second suspect, Gary Brown II, 29, surrendered around noon on Oct. 11. Brown, of Tampa, is charged with first-degree felony murder and two counts of attempted armed robbery.

According to Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office arrest records, Larry was released on his own recognizance on Oct. 12. Brown remains in jail.

Read more here:

UPDATE: Reward Offered in Village Oaks Shooting

Village Oaks Shooting Has Some Worried

Platt Shooting is Temple Terrace’s 1st Homicide in 5 Years

Police Still Searching for Village Oaks Killer

2 Suspects Identified in Village Oaks Murder

Village Oaks Murder Suspect Surrenders

Stay tuned for more memorable stories from 2012 in the coming days, and tell us what your favorite stories were this year in the comments.