Arrest Made in Long-Unsolved Murder Case in Florida

Florida officials have announced a significant development in a decade-old murder case, involving the fatal shooting of a man in Tampa.

Sadayal “Cee” Johnson, aged 36, was shot outside the Del Rio Apartments on North 50th Street on May 3, 2016. Emergency services received a surge of 911 calls and alerts indicating a shooting had taken place.

Multiple gunshot wounds led to Johnson being transported to a hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. His death was ruled a homicide, but no arrests were made in the immediate aftermath.

Investigators later suspected that Johnson was targeted during an armed robbery, with initial indicators pointing toward Marki Newton, who is now 34 years old. However, at that time, police indicated there wasn’t sufficient evidence to press charges.

The cold case division of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office revisited the investigation, following leads, interviewing witnesses again, and conducting new forensic tests.

In 2025, they began locating previously unknown witnesses and re-interviewing those initially questioned. Importantly, DNA testing, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also advanced the case.

Finally, on May 20, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for Newton, charging him with first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Newton was arrested the following day in Brevard County, aided by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.

Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the importance of continued pursuit of justice, stating that the lengthy investigation was aimed at providing answers to families affected by such tragedies. He expressed hope that this arrest would bring some closure for those waiting for nearly a decade.

Newton is currently in Brevard County and will soon be transferred to Hillsborough County to face the charges related to the murder that occurred ten years ago.