Suspect Name: Lazaro Martinez Basilio Rojas(H/M)
Date of Birth: 09/17/1998
Charge: One Count of Felony First Degree Murder
Tampa Police arrested 26-year-old Lazaro Martinez and charged him with first-degree murder in connection to the homicide that occurred on November 7, 2023, in the 2700 block of E. Okara Road.
On November 10, 2023, at approximately 2:11 p.m., TPD Officers and Tampa Fire Rescue conducted a welfare check around the 2700 block of E Okara Rd.
Upon arrival, TFR discovered a deceased adult white male in his mid-50’s, wrapped in a blanket. Responding Officers located a second subject, 26-year-old Lazaro Martinez, hiding under a couch in the living room. Martinez was transported to a local hospital due to severe dehydration.
Tampa PD homicide Detectives worked diligently overnight to gather leads in the investigation and interview witnesses. During the investigation Detectives gathered evidence that determined Martinez and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation on November 7, 2023, which led to Martinez attacking the victim shortly thereafter.
This evidence confirmed Martinez’s involvement, ultimately leading to his arrest for the offense of murder in the first degree.
Officer Stefon Filer
<<<<PREVIOUS MEDIA ALERT>>>>
TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE AT THE 2700 BLOCK OF E OKARA RD
Incident Date/Time: 11/10/2023 at 2:14 p.m.
Location: 2700 Block Of E Okara Rd.
On November 10, 2023, at approximately 2:14 p.m., Officers conducted a welfare check around the 2700 block of E Okara Rd.
Upon arrival, TPD Officers located an adult male who was unresponsive and later pronounced deceased on scene. Another adult male was located having an unknown medical episode. The male was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Detectives are diligently working to identify any suspects involved and what led to the incident.
Anyone with information that could assist detectives with their investigation is asked to call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip by contacting Crime Stoppers at 800-873—TIPS (8477) or via TIP411
Additional Information will be provided made available pending the investigation.
Officer Stefon Filer
Tampa Police Department
813-276-3235