Crime & Safety

Teen Arrested in Plantation Key Stabbing

Donovan Lee Merwin, 18, of Riverview, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Riverview man in connection with the stabbing death of a man at the Plantation Key Apartment complex in Brandon, according to a report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Donovan Lee Merwin, 18, was arrested and charged with the stabbing death of Angel Luis Andino, 46, of Brandon.

Deputies found Andino covered in blood with multiple stab wounds to his face and chest after responding to a 911 call at 2:16 a.m. Saturday that reported a suspicious man wandering the apartment complex, at 1909 Plantation Palms Dr.

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Andino was conscious and able to tell deputies that he was robbed. He was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:49 am.

During the investigation, deputies found bloody footprints leading back to Andino’s apartment. A search of the apartment led to detectives finding a backpack with identification that belonged Merwin.

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Later in the day detectives made contact with Merwin at 10739 US Hwy 301 South in Riverview. Merwin admitted stabbing Andino multiple times in the master bedroom of the apartment after they became involved in a physical altercation, according to the Sheriff’s report.

Merwin told detectives he met Andino about a year ago after answering an online ad that Andino placed looking for a roommate.

Merwin is charged with second degree murder with a weapon. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.


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