After a decade, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has solved a homicide case from 2016.
On May 3, 2016, deputies responded to the Del Rio Apartments, located on North 50th Street in Tampa, after receiving multiple 911 calls and a ShotSpotter alert regarding gunfire.
Deputies located the victim, identified as Saadyar "Sy" Johnson, 36, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Johnson was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.
At the time, the investigation determined Johnson was targeted during an armed robbery. Investigative leads linked Marqui Newton, 34, to the shooting.
Although detectives had leads, there was not enough evidence at the time to make an arrest.
Over the past ten years, HCSO's Cold Case Unit has continued to pursue investigative leads and advancements in forensic technology to solve the case.
In 2025, investigators located previously unknown witnesses and re-interviewed prior witnesses.
Through continued forensic advancements, additional DNA testing was conducted with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to gain additional evidence in the homicide investigation.
On May 20, 2026, detectives obtained an arrest warrant and charged Newton with Felony First Degree Murder and Robbery with a Firearm.
On May 21, 2026, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office took Newton into custody through a collaborative investigative effort involving the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.
"No matter how much time passes, we will never stop seeking justice for victims and their families," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This arrest is the result of years of relentless investigative work and commitment of our Cold Case Unit and law enforcement partners. We hope this arrest brings some measure of closure to those who have waited nearly a decade for answers."
Newton is currently in Brevard County and will be transported back to Hillsborough County.
This is an active investigation, and any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
