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Citizen Killed Confronting Car Burglars
Case number: 2010-26514
* * U P D A T E * * 10.08.2010 @ 4:27 AM
Arrests Made in Homicide Investigation
October 8, 2010
From early yesterday morning through this morning detectives from the criminal investigations unit worked tirelessly, following up multiples leads and searching for evidence. Through this process physical evidence was recovered and witnesses to the post incident actions of the suspects were located and interviewed. Detectives located some of the stolen items from the burglaries concealed behind one of the buildings.
Technicians from the Forensics Unit of the Pinellas County's Sheriff's Office coordinated the documentation of the scenes and the collection and preservation of evidence. Their timely processing enabled our investigators to quickly ascertain the value of the evidence.
The investigation culminated with arrest warrants being issued and charging first degree murder, for both suspects, just before midnight tonight.
The suspects are identified as *(Old booking photographs are attached):
Aaron Edward Cook, DOB/12-07-1989 (20)
Last known address:
12260 Land Street N.
Largo, FL 33773
Criminal history includes previous charges of robbery, vehicle theft, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, burglary, aggravated battery, vehicle burglary, and battery.
Tiffany Ann Mitchell, DOB/07-09-1991 (19)
Last known address:
3015 Catherine Drive
Clearwater, FL 33759
Criminal history includes previous charges of trespassing on school grounds, resisting arrest without violence, dealing in stolen property and burglary.
Detectives learned that the suspects initially fled the scene of the confrontation to the apartment of an acquaintance in building 12, in the west end of the complex. The apartment was later processed for evidence with positive results.
Eventually the suspects left the area and ended up in a hotel in the New Port Richey area. Earlier tonight, at 11:10 PM, both suspects were taken into custody without incident, by officers from the New Port Richey Police Department. Cook was in possession of a concealed firearm at the time of his arrest.
The suspects were interviewed by our detectives and will be booked into the Pasco County Jail on the First Degree Murder warrants and any local charges New Port Richey may have.
The evidence collected and statements obtained are consistent with what the original scene showed; Mr. Levo observed Cook and Mitchell committing a burglary to a neighbor's car. When he approached them, a physical confrontation occurred during which Mr. Levo was beaten, cut, and stabbed. It is also believed that Cook suffered a slicing type injury to a hand during the confrontation.
Detectives will continue their investigation into the circumstances before, during, and after the homicide. Pertinent information will be released as appropriate.
*Note: The media coverage of the original story is greatly appreciated as it surely generated many tips for our investigators to follow up and augment their case.
Released by: Lieutenant Paul J. Andrews, PIO
* * U P D A T E * * 10.07.2010 @ 2:24 PM
Victims Name:
Richard H. Levo
W/M
Dob/ 12/22/1958
Longtime resident of Whetstone apartments
No known employment
ORIGINAL RELEASE
On Thursday, October 7, 2010, shortly after 1:30 AM, the police and EMS were summoned to the Whetsone Apartments at 8400 49th Street North. A resident, who apparently observed two suspects breaking into a car in the common parking lot near building 2, called 911. He reported that he had been attacked by the suspects and was bleeding profusely.
Responding officers and paramedics found the victim near his second floor apartment. The 58 year old man had suffered multiple cuts and stab wounds about his upper torso and legs, and was loosing consciousness. He was immediately transported to a local hospital.
Thus far, it appears that the suspects were breaking into cars, six located to this point, to steal the stereos. The victim confronted them and was attacked. He retreated to his apartment and called 911 while the suspects fled on foot. The suspects were tracked by a canine unit without success, and may have fled in a car prior to the 911 call.
The victim died at 4:35 AM as a result of his injures. His name is being withheld pending notification to his family.
The suspects have been described as:
1) White male, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, possibly with red hair and a black hooded sweatshirt
2) Black male, about 5 feet 6 inches all, wearing a black t-shirt over a white t-shirt.
Detectives are on the scene conducting the investigation. When apprehended, the suspects will face charges of murder and multiple counts of burglary. Anyone who may have information on the identity of the suspects or evidence leading to their identity should contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.
Released by: Lieutenant Paul J. Andrews, PIO
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