Teenager jailed for killing 14-year-old recaptured after escaping juvenile facility
A Florida teen accused of killing a 14-year-old boy is back in custody after escaping from a juvenile detention center.
Jahmir Moore, 15, was arrested Dec. 4 in connection with the April murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie.
He was being held at the Hillsborough Regional Juvenile Detention Center in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, according to Tampa police.
Tampa Police Department Deputy Chief Ruth Cate said officers realized he was missing around 10:33 a.m. Sunday when he didn’t show up for the count, reported WFLA.
‘He is considered a very dangerous individual. We are very concerned that he is not in custody. He is here on a very serious charge,” Cate said at the time.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed Moore jogging down the street from the facility around 10:45 a.m.
He was seen wearing a dark green T-shirt over a blue Department of Juvenile Justice shirt, blue pants and white shoes.
More than 11 hours later, Moore was arrested without incident on the 100 block of West Keyes Avenue shortly after 9:15 p.m. by Tampa police with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
Jahmir Moore (pictured), 15, was arrested on December 4 in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie in April
Officers realized he was missing around 10:33 a.m. Sunday when he failed to show up for the head count at the Hillsborough Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed Moore jogging down the street from the facility around 10:45 a.m.
“Tonight, Jevario Buie’s family and our community can rest knowing that another dangerous individual is in custody,” Chief Lee Bercaw said.
“I have enormous appreciation for the officers who have worked tirelessly since this morning when they were alerted to Moore’s escape. Let this be a reminder to those who think they can avoid the Tampa Police Department. That won’t work, and they will be held accountable.”
Moore was charged with first-degree murder, carrying a concealed firearm, tampering with physical evidence and felony minor in possession of a firearm.
Police said they discovered Buie with gunshot wounds near railroad tracks along Busch Boulevard and Rome Avenue on April 17, police said. WFTS.
Surveillance footage showed Buie and Moore walking north on North Rome Avenue toward a cul-de-sac near the scene of the crime at 3:33 p.m. on the day of the murder.
Moore was the last known person to be with Buie before the crime and at 3:36 p.m., he was seen walking away from the scene without Buie, according to police.
Investigators discovered records of communications between the two, as well as social media posts, notes and search history that would point to Moore’s involvement.
“Obviously there was a feud,” Bercaw said. “I want to set a clear example that no matter your age, the city of Tampa will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Young people in Tampa don’t get a pass.”
Police said they discovered Buie (pictured) with gunshot wounds on April 17 near railroad tracks at Busch Boulevard and Rome Avenue.
His family said they will remember the teen as a goofy kid with an infectious smile who loved football and his family
Buie’s devastated family worried about Moore’s escape and hoped they could continue to try to heal and get justice.
‘We are concerned. I’m concerned about the safety of my family and the safety of the community,” the victim’s grandfather, Michael Baldwin, told the local news station.
His family said they will remember the teen as a goofy kid with an infectious smile who loved football and his family.
“I’ve been living a nightmare since I lost my son, and now I feel some closure,” his mother Jasmine Baldwin said at the time of Moore’s arrest.