Suspect arrested in connection with badly decomposed body in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa police have arrested a suspect in connection with the badly decomposed body found Friday.

At about 11:54 a.m. that morning, a body in advanced stages of decomposition was found in the 17,000 block of Dona Mitchell Drive.

The investigation revealed that the 35-year-old victim had been living in his 2006 Dodge Charger, but the vehicle was being driven by someone else.

On Saturday, the suspect, 29-year-old Andre Aris, and the victim’s car were found in the 17,000 block of Madison Creek Drive.

Aris admitted to meeting with the victim last month and said the victim gave him the Dodge to sell last week. He also told investigators that the man who gave him the car did not look like the victim, despite having several of the victim’s photo identifications.

A search warrant was executed at the Metro Self Storage Unit and a nearby hotel, where detectives collected evidence.

Aris was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and grand theft auto. He remains incarcerated at the Orient Road Jail.