The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a Cuban man this Saturday for the murder of his partner, also Cuban, and another man in Tampa. Liannet Sosa Santos, 31, originally from Sietecito in the municipality of Sagua La Grande, Villa Clara, and mother of a five-year-old girl, was killed by her husband, Silvio Ramón Franco Peralta, also from Sagua, according to Félix Llerena, a relative of the victim.
"My family is in mourning. Yesterday in Tampa, Florida, my cousin Liannet Sosa was murdered by her husband. She had a young child. The criminal fled and also killed another person. He is now under arrest. We will always remember you, cousin. Rest in peace," Llerena wrote on social media.
The HCSO reported on social media platform X that they had arrested Franco, 35, who is accused of killing both individuals and then fleeing from officers. The agency released bodycam footage showing the pursuit and apprehension of the suspect on Saturday afternoon.
"It's devastating to know a five-year-old child will grow up without their mother due to the senseless violence of this evil man. His total disregard for human life has forever altered the lives of two families," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Details of the Incident
According to local media reports, around 2:00 p.m., officers responded to the 4800 block of Alvarado Drive in Tampa's Town 'N' Country community after being alerted about a deceased woman in a residence. They found Sosa with upper body injuries and pronounced her dead at the scene.
After committing the crime, Franco fled the scene in the victim's truck. The HCSO indicated that he later drove to 8710 N. Packwood Ave., on the edge of Tampa, where he got into an altercation with another man, whom he also killed. The identity of the male victim has not been disclosed.
Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to the house after receiving a call about an aggravated assault. They found a man with upper body trauma, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities issued an alert for the suspect's vehicle, which initiated a high-speed chase through the streets of western Town 'N' Country when Franco noticed the police presence. Officers managed to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Montague Street and Declaration Road. Franco attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the officers.
The detainee confessed to the police that he had gone to the man's house and admitted to killing Sosa. He also asked for help disposing of the weapon and other belongings. According to authorities, an altercation ensued between the two men, and Franco stabbed the man. Franco claimed the victim had pulled out a firearm, but the evidence did not support his assertion, said the officers.
Franco currently faces seven charges related to both murders and the ensuing chase: two counts of first-degree murder, armed burglary with assault or battery, motor vehicle theft, aggravated fleeing to elude, driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license, and resisting an officer without violence. However, the Tampa Police Department may file additional charges against him.
"I am proud of our deputies for their swift actions. They used their training to prevent this dangerous man from causing further harm to our community and ensured that these families get the justice they deserve," Sheriff Chronister emphasized.
FAQs about the Double Homicide in Tampa
In light of the tragic events in Tampa, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide more context and information.
Who were the victims in the Tampa double homicide?
The victims were Liannet Sosa Santos, a 31-year-old mother from Sietecito, Villa Clara, and an unidentified man.
What charges is Silvio Ramón Franco Peralta facing?
Franco faces seven charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, armed burglary, motor vehicle theft, aggravated fleeing, driving with a revoked license, and resisting an officer without violence. Additional charges may be filed by the Tampa Police Department.
How did the authorities apprehend Franco?
Authorities apprehended Franco after a high-speed chase that ended at the intersection of Montague Street and Declaration Road. He attempted to flee on foot but was quickly arrested.