Man arrested after dead body found inside apartment in Florida; baby found unharmed

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A welfare check led investigators to find a deceased person and an infant unharmed inside of an apartment in Hillsborough County, Florida.

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In a news release, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the county medical examiner’s office ruled a death on Feb. 28 at an apartment complex on the 9100 block of Ave Club Drive as a homicide.

Deputies were called out to the apartment around 9:30 p.m. for a welfare check, according to WFLA.

When deputies arrived at the apartment, they found a person deceased inside. WFLA reported that an infant was also found inside but was not injured.

The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Thomas Sapp, 52. He was arrested on March 3.

“I am grateful for the hard work and collaboration between our detectives and the Medical Examiner’s Office to quickly determine the cause of death, and arrest the person responsible,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. “We are grateful to report that the infant found on that horrible night is safe thanks to the efforts of the Hillsborough Child Protective Services.”

Sapp is facing first-degree premeditated murder, sexual battery (serious injury), and child neglect, the sheriff’s office said.

The connection between Sapp and the victim is unclear. It is also unclear how long the person was in the apartment deceased for or how long the infant was alone.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.