Arrest Made in Pinellas Park Homicide

On January 21, 2012 at approximately 8:00pm, Pinellas Park Police and Fire/Rescue personnel responded to the area of Lakes Blvd. and 102 Ave. in reference to an injured person down in the roadway. Upon arrival of rescue personnel, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene and the vehicle believed to have struck the victim had fled the area. An investigation into the victim's identity and manner of death began.

A short time later, at approximately 8:40pm, police and firefighters responded to a vehicle fire in the parking lot of a vacant restaurant at 10525 US 19, only a few blocks from the original incident location. Emergency personnel located an unoccupied blue Toyota van on fire in the parking lot. Investigators were able to determine that the victim found in the roadway on 102 Ave was the owner of the van involved in the fire.

Since last evening, investigators have determined the victim's identity as 49 year old Bhupendrakumar Patel. In addition, investigators have identified, interviewed, and charged 21 year old Samantha Brownlee and 16 year old Jonathan Pinyard with offenses related to Patel's death. Brownlee and Patel were acquainted through their jobs at the Budget Inn, 9359 US 19, in Pinellas Park where Patel served as a manager and Brownlee as a housekeeper. All three persons, Patel, Brownlee and Pinyard were also residents at the Budget Inn.

Investigators believe that Brownlee and Patel became involved in a physical altercation behind a closed business on the southeast corner of 49th Street and 102 Avenue. During the altercation, Brownlee struck Patel with the van and fled the scene leaving Patel fatally injured in the roadway. Brownlee drove a short distance and left the van in the parking lot at 10525 US 19. A short time later, investigators believe that Brownlee returned to the van with her boyfriend, Pinyard and set the van on fire. The couple then fled from the location.

Brownlee has been charged with First Degree Murder and Arson. Pinyard has been charged as a juvenile with Accessory to First Degree Murder and Arson.

Brownlee and Pinyard are in custody and cooperating with investigators. They are currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail. Patel's next of kin has been notified.

Release by Sgt. Brian Unmisig, PIO
813-562-9950