Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 9-15-17

Feature
Man Charged In Double Murder Of Progress Village Men
DREMAINE JOHNSON 8/30/1993 to 9/12/2017
JAMES J. NICHOLAS 9/25/1993 to 9/12/2017
RAYNALD JOSEPH LAMOTHE ... Charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder
2015 Hillsborough County Mug Shot
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 31-year-old man and charged him with two counts of first-de- gree murder. He was taken into custody in Orange County Tuesday evening.
According to police, a deputy in Orange County came into contact with Raynald Joseph Lamothe, of Riverview, shortly before 8 p.m., Tuesday, at a 7-11, 4699 Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando, in reference to a trespassing in- vestigation. Lamothe was driving a Nissan Altima at the time. The deputy observed what appeared to be a bullet hole in the car and what ap- peared to be blood on the front passenger seat.
This information coincided with information gathered dur- ing a double homicide investi- gation in Hillsborough County. Lamothe was then taken into custody.
Lamothe was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He was also charged with violation of probation for aggravated battery with intent to harm; 2 counts of being a
felon in possession of a firearm; violation of probation for flee- ing and eluding; and violation of probation for grand theft.
Lamothe is being held in Orlando until he is transferred back to Hillsborough County in connection with the murders.
First Reports
At approximately 1:30 a.m., Tuesday, Hillsborough County deputies responded to the Chevron Station, 7710 Madison Avenue in reference to shots being fired. When deputies ar- rived, they discovered two men beside the gas pumps.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office per- formed an autopsy and it was determined that both men died as a result of gunshot wounds to the head. They have been identified as 24-year-old Dremaine Vashaun John- son and 23-year-old James J. Nicholas, both of Progress Village.
Detectives located a witness to the shooting. The witness told police that Johnson and Nicholas were inside a Nissan Altima with another man. The witness told police that after the men were shot, they were pushed out of the dark-colored Nissan and the driver fled the
scene.
About James Nicholas
James J. Nicholas was the oldest of three sons and one daughter born to Mrs. Amy Logan-Holmes. He attended the public schools of Hillsbo- rough County.
Mrs. Logan-Holmes said her family moved to Progress Village 13 years ago. He loved cooking, taking care of his ani- mals, and spending time with his family.
“He was an excellent cook and had planned to return to school for Culinary Arts. He was a loving son and a “sporty” young man who loved the ladies,” his mother said.
Mrs. Logan-Holmes said
on Monday evening, her son was at home with the family waiting out the storm. He went out after it was over.
In addition to his mother and siblings, Nicholas is sur- vived by other family members and friends.
Funeral services for Nicholas were incomplete at press time. Integrity Funeral Services is in charge of han- dling arrangements.
About Dremaine Johnson Known as “DJ,” Dre-maine Johnson was born and raised in Progress Village. He was the oldest of two sons born to Ms. Cicely Graham and the grandson of Ernest and the late Betty Simmons, of
Progress Village, Stanley Wil- son, a friend of the family said. Johnson attended the local schools of Hillsborough County, and earned his GED, and had planned on returning
to school, Wilson said.
He enjoyed taking care of
his two sons, spending time with his family, and watching sports.
In addition to his mother, brother, and children, John- son is survived by other family members and friends.
Funeral services for John- son will take place on Satur- day, September 23rd. Jacobs Funeral Home of Lakeland is in charge of handling arrange- ments.
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