Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 7-4-17

Local Hit & Run Driver Sought In Death Of Well-Known Man
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Detectives are currently searching for a hit and run driver who left a man dead. He was struck by the uniden- tified driver as he was cross- ing 2nd Avenue at the intersection of N. 25th Street. According to the Tampa Po- lice Department, Mr. Charles Slater, Jr., 46, died as a result of the injuries he sustained.
After striking Mr. Slater, the driver fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. Police said the accident took place be- tween 3:03 a.m. and 4:23 a.m.
A Tampa native, Mr. Slater was well-known throughout the Tampa Bay Area. He was the son of the late Charles and Gloria Slater, Jr.
His sister, Mrs. LaShon Richards said her brother was last seen leaving the Broadway Bar around 2 a.m., Saturday.
Mr. Slater attended the public schools of Hillsbor- ough County. At the time of
CHARLES SLATER, JR. 1/11/1971 --- 7/1/2017
his death, he was working with the City of Tampa through a Labor Pool.
“He was well known and well liked. Everyone knew him as “Gold,” she said.
“He was well-known and well-liked. Everyone knew him as “Gold.” If anyone out there knows anything about this accident, our family is asking that they please con- tact Crime Stoppers,” she said.
She further stated that her brother loved music, dancing, and just being with his fam-
ily.
He is survived by several
sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Mr. Slater, who was a longtime resident of Tampa Park Apartments at the time of his death did not have any insurance. His family has es- tablished an account to raise money for his burial. Anyone wishing to contribute can visit: https://www.go- fundme.com/bg6xv9-burial- fund.
Funeral services for Mr. Slater were incomplete at press time. Integrity Funeral Home is in charge of han- dling arrangements.
Detectives are asking any- one with information about the accident to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1- 800-873-TIPS or www.crimestopperstb.com.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 and callers can remain anony- mous.
Anyone wishing to contact Mrs. Richards can send her an email to www.richard- sof7@msn.com.
Arrested in Tampa for a crime he allegedly committed in West Vir- ginia
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
A former Tampa resident, who believed he had a ca- reer in professional base- ball, is getting his life back together after spending 27 years of a 110-year sentence in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Jimmie C. Gardner
celebrated his 51st birthday on Saturday, July 1st, 1 year and 3 months after he was released from prison. He is now a resident of Albany, GA, where his mother, Mrs. Gladys Gardner re- sides.
As a student at Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School, Gardner maintained a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). At Tech, he was described as ‘an outstanding baseball player.’ But his develop- ment years were with the Belmont Heights Little League.
After graduating from high school, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played 4 consecutive years with their minor league.
He also enrolled in col- lege and studied Business Management, while work- ing part-time jobs in Tampa.
Things in his life started to turn around in 1989 when he was arrested and charged with 2 separate counts of robbery and sex- ual assault, burglary, and assault during the commis- sion of a felony. Although the suspect was described as ‘light-skinned,’ the charges were linked to him.
The event occurred in West Virginia while Gard- ner was a member of the Charleston Wheelers, the minor league team. “All the Black guys on the team were interviewed,” he said.
He cooperated with law enforcement. But, later re- turning to Tampa, he did get into some trouble (1989), which drew him back to West Virginia. He went to trial in January, 1990, was found guilty in February, 1990 and sen-
JIMMIE C. GARDNER ...Spent 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit
tenced to the 110 years. Reportedly, false testi- mony and falsified evidence resulted in his guilty ver- dict. On Sept. 7, 2016, the State of West Virginia dis- missed all charges against him. His fight continues for criminal justice reform and
compensation in his case. Ironically, the Sentinel carried a story on Talmedge Hayes in June, who also had spent 27 years in Florida prisons, and was also released on April 1, 2016. Both men had com- municated with attorney and social activist, Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of Equal Justice Initiative, during
their release process. Today, ‘Uncle Jimmie,’ as his nieces and nephews lovingly call him, spends his time as a motivational speaker. He has held speak- ing engagements at George- town School of Law, Lee County State Prison, and Autry State Prison, to name a few. He tries to offer hope to those in despair by shar- ing his experiences. He is open for any speaking en- gagements. Contact him via email at
fjcg2k16@gmail.com.
On Saturday, July 8, 2017, Gardner will join other All-Stars from the Belmont Heights Little League for a “Tampa Celebrity All-Star Softball Classic,” coordinated by promoter, Eugene
Gilbert.
The event will be held at
the University of South Florida Baseball Stadium. Gates open at 4 p. m.
Apartment Complex Accepts Donations To Help Fire Victims
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Monday, some East Tampa residents were awak- ened by a fire that destroyed an entire building at the Knoll- wood Manor Apartment Com- plex. The City of Tampa Fire Department responded to the blaze reported at 5:07 a.m.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, the heavy smoke and flames were coming from the roof of 2932 Rockaway Court. Firemen began battling the blaze as the flames came from the south side of the two-story concrete block building.
Crews called for a second alarm because of the size and location of the building.
Investigators have deter- mined that the cause of the fire was an electrical failure or mal- function. The fire started out- side of the enclosed patio at #2930 Rockaway Court and extended upwards into the eaves, spreading to the com- mon roof, a spokesman for the Tampa Fire Department said. The estimated amount of dam- age to the unit that contained 12 apartments is more than $350,000.
Twelve families were dis-
Tampa Firefighters responded to the Knollwood Manor Apart- ment Complex early Monday. At least 12 apartments were dam- aged. (Photo courtesy of Tampa Fire Department).
placed in the fire and are cur- rently trying to find new homes and to replace their belong- ings. Some families lost nearly everything in the blaze.
The Knollwood Manor Complex has stepped in to help those families. They are ac- cepting cash donations for the families.
The men, women, and chil- dren affected by the fire range in age from infancy to senior citizens.
Ms. Rena Bennett,
spokesperson for the complex said they cannot accept any furniture at this point until the families relocate because they don’t have anywhere to house it.
The most important thing they need now is money to help them relocate. Once we gather the donations they will be di- vided among the families.
She said they have already received clothing donations and more are expected on Monday.
Anyone wishing to obtain more information may contact the complex at (813) 238-4752.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can send a check or money order to the complex. The check or money order should have “Fire Donation” on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to: Knollwood Manor, 6801 Diana Court, Tampa, FL 33610.
TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9
27 Years In Prison For A Crime He Did Not Commit