TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police detectives are requesting the public’s help in locating 17-year-old Brandon Earle Brown Jr., who is wanted on an active warrant for manslaughter. The charges stem from the January 22 shooting death of 16-year-old Miracle Cromwell. Investigators believe Brown is actively evading arrest and is known to frequent the Sulphur Springs area.
“Miracle was a young woman with her entire life ahead of her and her family deserves more than just answers, they deserve the closure that comes with justice,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our detectives have not stopped since the moment they arrived on scene, and we will not rest until the individual responsible is held accountable.”
The incident occurred at approximately 2:07 a.m. at a residence in the 8200 block of N. 12th St. According to police reports, officers arrived within two minutes of the call to find Cromwell in a bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper body. A police Victims Advocate has since been assigned to assist the family.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Brown and several others, including the victim, were engaged in a FaceTime call with another acquaintance at the time of the discharge. Witness accounts indicate that Brown was handling a tan-colored handgun during the call. Following a brief verbal exchange, a single shot was fired.
Brown fled the scene as police arrived, but investigators later recovered a firearm, a magazine, and live ammunition along his suspected flight path. Chief Lee Bercaw stated that detectives have worked continuously since the night of the shooting to secure justice for the victim’s family and hold the responsible party accountable.
Brown is described as a black male, 5’7” tall, and weighing approximately 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay is currently offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Anyone with information regarding Brown’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Tampa Police at 813-231-6130, referencing report #26-41792. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 800-873-TIPS or through the Florida Crime Stoppers mobile app.
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