Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department partner to charge 17-year-old in death of Andie Morrel.
TAMPA, Fla. – A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in the second degree following a multi-agency investigation into a homicide that began with the discovery of a body in a Tampa vacant lot.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the incident began on September 19, 2025, when the Tampa Police Department (TPD) was called to the 1500 block of North 39th Street. There, officers discovered a deceased victim, later identified as 37-year-old Andie Morrel.
The investigation quickly led detectives to a residence in the 9400 block of Polak Drive, located in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Inside the home, investigators found blood evidence, leading them to believe that the murder occurred at that location before the body was moved.
Through their investigative efforts, detectives identified Justin Hawker, 17, as the primary suspect. Hawker was subsequently arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm – Great Bodily Harm/Death.
“It is awful to see a crime like this and to see someone so young resort to such violence.” He also praised the collaborative efforts between the two law enforcement agencies. “I appreciate the strong partnership we have with the Tampa Police Department. We will continue to hold violent offenders accountable and protect the safety of our community,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chronister said.
The case remains active and under investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
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