UPDATE: September 5, 2025, 11 a.m.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man in connection with a homicide investigation in Lutz.
On August 17, 2025, at 10:27 a.m., deputies responded to the 1000 block of Helena Street in Lutz after a woman called HCSO's Communications Center to report that another man had shot her boyfriend.
The victim, Joshua Benjamin, 34, was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Deputies learned that an argument between the victim and suspect escalated into a physical confrontation before the shooting occurred.
Deputies located the suspect, Anthony Williams, 19, at the scene and detained him. That same day, Williams was initially charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Armed Trespassing.
On September 4, 2025, following a consultation with the State Attorney's Office, Williams was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.
"This suspect not only took an innocent life but also left a family and community grieving. No one should ever have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such a tragic way," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "From the beginning, our detectives worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence and ensure this suspect would be held accountable. Thanks to their relentless efforts and the close collaboration with the State Attorney's Office, he will now face the consequences of his violent actions."
This is an active investigation; any update will come from the Public Affairs Office.
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ORIGINAL RELEASE: August 17, 2025, 3 p.m.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide in Lutz.
Around 10:27 a.m. on August 17, 2025, deputies responded to a home on Helena Street where they found a male suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.
He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
During a preliminary investigation, deputies learned the victim and another male got into a verbal altercation that led to the shooting.
The shooter has been detained.
"In the span of moments, a disagreement became deadly," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our role now is to bring clarity and uncover the truth because Hillsborough County will never be a place where violence goes unanswered."
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.