Executive Summary
- Victim identified as 34-year-old James McClendon Jr.
- Police responded to the scene on 18th Avenue East near North 28th Street on Friday morning.
- Death ruled a homicide following the discovery of upper body trauma.
- Detectives are urging the public to provide tips via Crime Stoppers.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department has initiated a homicide investigation following the identification of a man found deceased in a vacant lot with significant upper body trauma.
Officers responded to a call shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday regarding a body found in an empty lot on 18th Avenue East near North 28th Street. According to departmental reports, arriving units discovered the victim and secured the scene for forensic analysis.
On Monday, authorities identified the victim as 34-year-old James McClendon Jr. Following an initial review of the evidence and the nature of the injuries, detectives have formally classified the death as a homicide. The specific cause of death has not been publicly released pending further investigation.
The Tampa Police Department stated that detectives are actively following up on leads but are heavily relying on community assistance. “Investigators are urging anyone in the community who may have seen or heard anything to come forward,” the department wrote in a press release. “Even the smallest detail could be critical in helping bring answers to the McClendon family.”
Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact the department directly or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.
Investigative Outlook
The transition from an unclassified death investigation to a confirmed homicide inquiry signals that law enforcement has found evidence of foul play, likely through autopsy results or crime scene indicators. In cases where a suspect is not immediately apprehended at the scene, the investigation typically pivots to establishing the victim’s final timeline and identifying connections within the immediate area. The request for public tips suggests that investigators are currently seeking to bridge gaps in witness testimony to identify a perpetrator.
