James McClendon Obituary, Death; – A 17-year-old boy from Florida has been apprehended in connection with the murder of a man discovered deceased in an empty lot in Tampa earlier this month.
Authorities reported that James McClendon, aged 34, was declared missing on December 9, according to Tampa Police. McClendon’s vehicle was located abandoned, accompanied by a spent 9mm shell casing.
Subsequently, on December 11, McClendon’s remains were located in a lot approximately nine blocks from the site where his car was discovered. The medical examiner determined that he succumbed to a gunshot wound.
“As detectives progressed with their investigation, they confirmed that McClendon had visited a gas station in the 2900 block of N. 50th St earlier that evening,” stated Tampa police. “At that location, he picked up a passenger,” who authorities later identified as the suspect.
The suspect was noted to be wearing “distinctive clothing and bright blue footwear,” according to police. They identified the teenager as the suspect and secured a search warrant for his residence, where they recovered a 9mm shell casing.
“We hope that this arrest will enable the family and friends of James McClendon to commence the healing process as they cope with this tragic loss,” remarked Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our detectives have worked diligently to ensure that the individual responsible will be held accountable for his actions.”
The teenager is currently being held at the Juvenile Assessment Center.
