Page 2 - 7-10-15 Friday's Edition

Features
Reward Rises To $8,000 For Information In Murder Of Grandmother
CHIEF ERIC WARD
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Wednesday, the Bureau of Alcoh0l, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) joined forces with the Tampa Police Department to obtain infor- mation on the murder of a West Tampa grandmother.
In a press conference, offi- cials announced they are offer- ing a reward of $5,000 for information about the murder. This reward is in addition to the $3,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for the murder.
Police are also interested in recovering the guns used in the murder.
The murder of Mrs. Sharon Darns Watkins, 58, took place nearly two weeks ago. Mrs. Watkins was in her bedroom at 1805 N. Delaware, in the North Boule- vard Homes when unidenti-
MRS. SHARON DARNS WATKINS 1/11/1957 to 6/27/2015
fied assailants fired gunshots into the window, striking Mrs. Watkins several times. She died at the scene.
As a result of the investiga- tion, Tampa Police have deter- mined that the shooting was not believed to have been a random act, but that Mrs. Watkins’s death was the case of mistaken identity.
Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward said, “This is a tragic case and someone has the in- formation we need. We’re ask- ing people to do the right thing and come forward.
“And if doing the right thing doesn’t motivate some- one with information, maybe the $8,000 reward will. We’ll do whatever it takes to provide some justice for her family.”
Agent Regina Lom- bardo, ATF Special Agent in Charge said officials are asking the community to call and text information to 1-800-ATF- GUNS (800-283-4867) and provide ATF special agents and Tampa Police investiga- tors with information on any individuals or groups in pos- session of illegal firearms, es- pecially in locations that are experiencing an increase of shootings and armed rob- beries.
The identities of those pro- viding information will be kept secured and protected.
Anyone with information can contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130; or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).
Murder Trial To Begin In Death Of Popular Entertainer
ANTHONY JEROME LEE AKA SOUTH BEACH WANDA 2/17/1964 --- 5/28/2013
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Two years ago, on the night of May 28, 2013, Anthony Jerome Lee, 49, was shot while at the home of a friend in the 3900 block of E. Gene- see. He died a few hours later at a local hospital. He was vis- iting an ill friend when the shooting took place.
On the date of Lee’s fu- neral, Tampa Police arrested then 23-year-old DeAndre D. Tolliver, of Tampa. Tol- liver was charged with first- degree murder, armed robbery, and armed burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery. He was also charged with violation of probation.
A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County State At- torney’s Office said Tolliver had been offered a sentence of 25 years in prison on the charges. However, he rejected the offer.
On Monday, the jury selec- tion process will begin.
‘Drag Queen.’ he would tell people, I’m an entertainer. He would give them the correct
SOUTH BEACH WANDA ... Nationally Known Entertainer
DEANDRE TOLLIVER ... Charged with first- degree murder
terminology about who he was and what he did,” she said.
An entertainer by trade, Lee, who was 49 at the time of his death, was known nation- ally as “South Beach Wanda.”
A Tampa native, he com- pleted his senior year at King High School. Lee then launched his career as a fe- male impersonator. He adopted his stage name from “Wanda,” a character on the television show, “In Living Color.”
Discussion To Be Held About Confederate Flag
In Lobby Of County Center
The fallout from the murders of 9 people inside a Charleston, South Carolina Church continues to spread as every State has ini- tiated some kind of policy regarding the flying of the Confederate Flag.
Dylann Roof, 21, confessed to the shootings, and said it was racially motivated. There were also photos of him published wav- ing miniature Confederate Flags, and one where he was holding a larger flag.
In Hillsborough County, Commissioner Les Miller has an- nounced that on Wednesday, July 15th at 9 a.m. during their meeting, there will a discussion about the Confederate flag in the lobby of the County Center in downtown Tampa.
“I am going to suggest having the flag removed from the build- ing, and I expect a lot of opposition from the Sons of the confed- eracy organization and others,” said Comm. Miller.
“I found it amazing that through the years I’ve been inside this building, I never noticed that particular flag being there.”
The public is encouraged to attend this meeting so their voices will be heard about the presence of the flag in the lobby of the Cen- ter, and what they suggest should be done about it.
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