Police Still Searching for Village Oaks Killer

Police are still looking for the ski-masked man, who shot and killed Jobree Platt at Village Oaks Apartments in the early morning of Sept. 4.

“Police say the Jobree Platt case remains under active investigation,” wrote Michael Dunn, the city’s public information officer, in an email. “They are seeking the public’s help. If anyone knows anything about this incident or any recent activity by Mr. Platt or anyone else that might be related or useful, please contact the Temple Terrace Police Department at 813-989-7110. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay also is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect in the case.”

To be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS(8477), or report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com, text “CSTB” plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or send a mobile tip using the “Tipsubmit Mobile” application, which is a free download for iPhones, iPads and Droids.

On Sept. 7, the Temple Terrace Police Department issued a Community Crime Alert flier to generate leads in the case. The flier (which appears with this story) shows a picture of Platt and explains that he was killed at 8575 Montravail Circle in the breezeway near the elevator of building No. 7.

The shooting suspect in the case is described as a black male, about 6-feet-4-inches tall, according to a city press release. He was wearing black clothing and a ski mask at the time of the shooting.

Platt, of Lutz, had been visiting a relative at the apartment complex, according to police. The two had gone out overnight, and encountered the suspect as they returned to the complex at about 4:50 a.m.

The Village Oaks apartment complex was targeted earlier this summer in a series of auto burglaries. Violent crimes, however, have not been reported there in recent months.

Violent crimes are rare in Temple Terrace in general. It’s been nearly five years since the last homicide occurred in the community, according to city officials.

In October 2007, Stanley Larry Telfare of 7711 Sumter Court in Temple Terrace, struck his former lover, Elalia D. Walker, in front of the Orange River Estates community clubhouse and put her into a van. Walker tried to escape and died a week later as a result of the injuries she sustained.

The Village Oaks shooting has some area residents worried about their safety and alarmed that such a crime has taken place in the community. Resident Jamie Robe said he was surprised to learn of the homicide.

“It’s pretty shocking,” he said.

Temple Terrace Patch reader Eric Bop Nealon, route: {:controller=>"users", :action=>"show", :id=>"eric-bop-nealon"} -->, identifying himself as Platt’s cousin, commented on