TAMPA, Fla. – A death investigation in East Tampa has shifted to a homicide case after detectives identified the victim found in a vacant lot last week.
The Tampa Police Department confirmed Monday that the man discovered deceased on Friday is 34-year-old James McClendon Jr.
Officers responded to the scene on the 2700 block of East 18th Avenue just after 11 a.m. on Dec. 12. While initial reports simply noted a deceased male in an empty lot, updated findings released Monday confirm McClendon suffered significant “upper body trauma.”
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No arrests have been announced yet. Detectives are currently following up on active leads, but they are turning to the public for help to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to McClendon’s death.
“Even the smallest detail could be critical in helping bring answers to the McClendon family,” the department stated in a release.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS (8477).
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