Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

In February, a jury founded a 31-year-old man guilty of murdering two men and then attempted to conceal the crime. Last week, a judge sentenced him for the double murders.
Judge Emmett Lamar Battles decided Derrick Cullins deserved two life sentences for the murders of his brother, Carl Walters, 21, and Walters’ friend, 20-year-old Ryan Darkins Davis.

The sentencing on April 13 brought the ordeal that began on April 9, 2009, to an end for two families. It began with the discovery of a nude body in a wooded area in Plant City on April 7, 2009. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives identified the young Black man as 21-year-old Carl Walters.

On February 2, 2010, children playing in a wooded area in Plant City discovered skeletal remains. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said they were the remains of 20-year-old Ryan Darkins Davis.

Davis was last seen leaving his mother’s home with Walters. Two days later, a passerby discovered his body. He had been stabbed 18 times. Davis’ body was not found at the time and police listed him as an endangered person. His skeletal remains were identified forensically ten months later.

During the joint investigation that followed, between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department, a warrant was executed at 1810 E. Humphrey Street, just before midnight on April 10, 2009. Police said there was evidence of a violent struggle inside the house.

Cullins, who shared the home with Walters who was his half brother, had unexplained cuts on his fingers, a bite mark on his chest, and blood on his clothing and shoes, police said.

Police arrested Cullins on April 11, 2009, and charged him with second-degree murder in the death of his brother, Walters. An aggressive search for Davis was launched by the Tampa Police Department.
Investigators searched the landfill after discovering evidence that Cullins had disposed of something in the days following the murders.

Denies Guilt
Cullins has never admitted to committing the murders. During the sentencing phase Cullins said, “I did not make these egregious crimes, these heinous acts. … Of course, they are in heaven now and that is a comforting thought. … The actual murderer, I believe is going to hell, and will reside there for eternity. … I pray that things get well for everyone.”

Mother Hurt By Comments
“Even though he is going to serve two life sentences, it still hurts. I’m appalled that he is not even remorseful and he is still lying even with all of the evidence against him.

“It’s pitiful he can’t even admit to what he’s done even though he was handed the harshest sentence. I haven’t found it in my heart to forgive him, it’s still hurtful, my son is still gone” Mrs. Robin Harris, mother of Ryan Darkins Davis said.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A popular personal fitness trainer died suddenly on Thursday while in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 55-years old.

According to a spokesperson for the family, Minister George LeGrande, a physical fitness trainer and owner of “Bodies Under Construction,” died suddenly. He was in Atlanta on ministry business at the time of his death.

An Ordained Minister, LeGrande was the Director of Fruit of Glory Ministries and the founder of G-FORCE. G-FORCE is an organization created to preach to youth in the community. LeGrande would utilize his feats of strength breaking bricks to get the attention of the youth. Once he had their attention, he would preach the gospel, the spokesperson said.

He was married to Dr. Sydel Barnes LeGrande and was the father of six children.

A wake will be held for Minister LeGrande at Willie Watkins Funeral Home in Atlanta, on Monday, April 16th. A memorial service will be held for him at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21st, at the Center For Manifestation, 3102 E. Lake Avenue.

On Wednesday, George Zimmerman turned himself in to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Special prosecutor Angela Corey announced earlier that Zimmerman would be charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman shot Martin February 26th in a gated community in Sanford, Florida. Martin was not armed, and Zimmerman, 28, alleged the shooting was first a “Stand Your Ground” incident, then later said it was in self defense.

Zimmerman made is first court appearance Thursday.

Zimmerman was booked into the Seminole County Jail on the charge and he could face a minimum of 25 years in prison or a maximum of life if he is convicted.

While making the announcement, Corey said she would not discuss how she reconciled the conflicting accounts of what happened that rainy night or explain how she arrived at the charges. A second-degree murder charge in Florida is typically charged when there is a fight or other confrontation that results in death and where there is no premeditated plan to kill someone.

Martin’s parents said charges against Zimmerman would start the healing process, but they won’t stop fighting until he is convicted.

Some legal experts had expected the prosecutor to opt for the lesser charge of manslaughter, which usually carries 15 years in prison and covers reckless or negligent killings, rather than second-degree murder which involves a killing that results from a depraved disregard for human life.

The allegedly confrontation took place in a gated community where Martin was staying with his father and his father’s fiancée. In phone calls, Zimmerman told an emergency dispatcher Martin looked suspicious, and he followed the teen despite the dispatcher telling him to stay in his vehicle.

The U. S. Justice department’s civil Rights Division is conducting its own investigation, but federal authorities usually wait until a state prosecution is complete before deciding how to proceed.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that an early Thursday morning accident has left an 18-year-old with fatal injuries.

According to their report, a truck driven by Isaac Henry Baker (pictured), 24, was traveling on Dale Mabry near Stall Road.

Troopers said Baker failed to maintain control of his vehicle, swerved to the left, and struck the curb/center grass median area.

When the truck collided with the median, it overturned into the southbound lanes. Troopers said the teenager and 20-year-old Benjamin Fowler were riding in the rear bed of the truck and were ejected onto the road as the truck overturned. The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fowler was reported to be unresponsive when he was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was last reported to be in critical condition.

After the initial crash, troopers said a second vehicle, driven by Joyce Baker, 58, was traveling south on Dale Mabry and struck the 18-year-old who was lying in the center lane.

Three other passengers in the truck, Rose Torres, 35, Elijah Bates, 22, and Allen Pitts, 22, are reported to be in serious condition.

Cary Glenn Davis, 35, also a passenger in the truck, received minor injuries and was not hospitalized.

FHP spokesperson, Sgt. Steve Gaskins, said they have learned that everyone in the truck had been at the Hard Rock Casino, and were being dropped off by Baker. He also said it appears alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.

The Tampa Bay Muslim Alliance has great pleasure in announcing the 15th annual Islamic Charity Festival on April 15th at the Riverfront Park, 1111 North Boulevard.

Dr. Husain Nagamia, the Chairman of the TBMA, said all preparations for the festival are in place, and he expects this year’s festival to be the biggest and most well attended.
Special events are planned this year which the organizers hope will attract greater attendance.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn, a true supporter of the festival, and has participated in several in previous years, has accepted the invitation to be the chief guest.

Many other dignitaries are invited and expected to attend and the guest list includes:
United States Congresswoman, Kathy Castor; County Commissioner, Kevin Beckner; County Commissioner, Ken Hagan; City Councilwoman, Yoli Capin; City Councilwoman, Lisa Montelione; Chief of Police, Jane Castor; Temple Terrace Mayor, Joe Affronti, and Congresswoman, Janet Cruz.

The festival promises to be a fun filled event for all participants, but it especially invites all indigent, homeless, and underserved residents of Hillsborough county, for whom this event is put together.
There are going to be many free giveaways and all are invited to participate.

The list of giveaways includes free meals and barbecue; free clothes; free shoes; free toys for the kids; free hygiene kits; free bicycles, and free medical tests and checkups.

There will be fun and games for the kids that will include: clowns, face painting, slides and bouncers, and balloons.

The Tampa Police Department will display its helicopter, K-9 Unit, Drug Free Mobile Unit, and their Mounted Police Unit.

At 7:22 a. m. Wednesday, Tampa Police were called to 5008 Sierra Place on a report of a gate falling on a child.

According to police, Zhanaye Williams, 7, had left her apartment at the Brookside Apartments and was heading to her bus stop within the complex.

Police said when Zhanaye tried to move a huge gate that stretches across the parking lot area, it fell on top of her.

Zhanaye was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Zhanaye was a second grade student at Riverhills Elementary School, and crisis team members spoke with her second grade classmates and others affected by her death. Also, a team of counselors were at the school Thursday.

Neighbors in the area said they tried to save Zhanaye, but the gate was too heavy. One man said he tried as hard as he could to lift the gate, but it had to weigh hundreds of pounds.

Code Enforcement Director, Jake Slater, said the apartment complex has no code violations, and his office was called March 30th by a resident complaining that all of the gate entrance and exits were closed. When the inspector went to the complex, all of the gates were open, so the file was closed.  Police reported that they aren’t sure if the gate to the complex was secure, but somehow it ended up on top of Zhanaye.

School District spokesperson, Linda Cobbe, said Zhanaye had just transferred to Riverhills Elementary a month ago.

Zhanaye has four siblings, and family members have no statements to make at this time.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies received a call of a shooting at 11:24 p. m., and reported finding the body of Michael Gilbert, 32, in the front yard of a residence in the 7900 block of Flower Avenue in Progress Village.

Detectives said Gilbert and a friend were visiting the man who owned the home on Flower Avenue.

Detectives said at 11:20 p.m., Fabian Williams, 27, approached Gilbert and the homeowner and demanded money at gunpoint. Williams reportedly got $150.

Detectives said during that time, a second man, described as Black or Hispanic and also armed with a handgun, approached Gilbert while Williams forced the homeowner into his residence.

As they entered the house, Williams reportedly confronted Gilbert’s friend as he was leaving. The friend engaged in a physical altercation with Williams that continued outside the residence.

Detectives said the homeowner and friend fled, following the confrontation, leaving Gilbert facedown at gunpoint. Several gunshots wee fired, including two fired at them as they fled.

Detectives said Gilbert died at the scene, and Williams is known to both the homeowner and friend.

A warrant has been issued for Williams on a charge of first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm. The second suspect has not been identified, and detectives said they believe the incident is drug related.

Anyone with any information on Williams, or the identity of the second suspect, is asked to call (813) 247-8200.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Monday afternoon, more than 500 students walked out of three Hillsborough County high schools. The students were demonstrating their support for Trayvon Martin.

The march was an organized event with the knowledge and support of the school. Principal Owen Young said they had a discussion and the students raised about $200 before the march.

At noon, with their leaders in the front, the students walked out of the school holding hands and carrying banners.

The students were aware that Special Prosecutor Angela Corey announced that the Grand Jury hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, will not take place. The Grand Jury would have listened to the facts and determined if George Zimmerman, 28, who admitted to shooting and killing the 17-year-old would be bound over for trial.

Zimmerman is claiming self-defense in the case.

“I had to challenge them and let them know that this is for Trayvon. But, once it is over for him, then it’s time for them to turn their attention to our own communities. We have to learn how to treat each other better and stop the violence that has taken place in recent months,” Young said.

He further stated that between 350 and 400 Middleton High School students took part in the event.

Aerial Bellamy is a 10th grade student and one of the organizers. “We walked for a couple of miles because we want justice for Trayvon,” she said.

As LaYondra Lewis, a senior at Middleton spoke, you could hear the chants in the background. “No justice, no peace. We want justice for Trayvon,” she said.

In addition to Middleton High School, students at Hillsborough High School and King High School held demonstrations and protests marches as well.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Marion Lewis never envisioned that his battle for his right to run for public office would still be going on five years later. However, it remains unsolved.

A former Captain with the Tampa Police Department, Lewis served as a Tampa Police Officer for 27 years. His problems began after he decided to seek the office of the mayor. He alleges that he was forced into retirement and out of his job. Five years ago, he filed a lawsuit against the City of Tampa. He said the courts have ruled that he did not resign from his position, yet the City refuses to settle the case.

“Although, the Appeals Court has clearly ruled in my favor; it has become quite evident that justice for a Black Man is still elusive in the City of Tampa.  I will not let injustice prevail in this case because the City of Tampa is not above the law.

“I will aggressively reach out to other authorities in an effort to bring about finality and due process. At this point it is clear to me that the continued litigation in this case by the City is malicious in nature.

“The City has deliberately expanded the proceedings in this case by filing unnecessary motions and pleadings with the Court; and then failed to schedule timely hearings on their motions. The City has thumbed their nose at the 2nd District Court of Appeals ruling in this case and is abusing the Judicial System,” he said.

He further stated that he intends to file official complaints with the Florida Bar on the individual attorneys representing the City for their deliberate violation of his due process and improper conduct during these proceedings.

On January 14, 2011, the 2nd District Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court’s decision that was in the City’s favor and ruled that Lewis did not resign from the Tampa Police Department when he qualified to run for Mayor and was wrongfully terminated from his employment.

The City filed a petition with the Appeals Court for a rehearing and the Court reaffirmed their ruling on June 10, 2011.  The City then petitioned the Florida Supreme Court of Appeals to hear the case and the Supreme Court declined to hear the case on October 18, 2011.

“It is hypocritical for the City to portray Tampa in the months leading up to the GOP Convention as a City of opportunity when injustice has taken a comfortable seat in City Hall and the City Administration has denied justice at every turn in my proceedings,” Lewis said.

He further stated that he is not the only former police officer who has filed complaints against the Tampa Police Department.

“Over the past few years the City has terminated high ranking Black officers at the Tampa Police Department and the EEOC has sustained wrongful termination complaints against the City in the terminations of former Major Carl Davis and former Lieutenant D. Johnson.”