Crime & Safety
Fatal Fire Suspects Named by Tampa Police
Two of the four suspects in a robbery and fatal fire have been named by police.
The names of two of the four suspects in a fatal fire that killed a South Tampa man on Thursday have been released by Tampa Police.
Police have determined four suspects went to the home of Richard Lee Blackman, 65, of 6709 Interbay Blvd., to rob him early Thursday, according to a news release.
Investigators believe Kermit Lee Sanford, 34, and Tanner Blake Harrison, 19, attacked Blackman in his home and stole items before setting it on fire, Tampa Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said in the release.
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Sanford and Harrison have criminal records in Polk County, McElroy said.
"Detectives are working active leads on the other two suspects," she said.
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A witness called 911 at 1:39 a.m. Thursday after seeing smoke and flames coming from the victim's home. Blackman was found in the living room and rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he died.
Anyone with information is asked to please call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.
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