Police vehicles

Tampa Police Make First-Degree Murder Arrest in Drug Overdose Case


This information is 6 months 4 weeks old and may no longer be accurate.
Posted

Tampa Police, working with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, have arrested 48-year-old Jeffrey Moyer (white male, 9/17/1975) on charges stemming from the drug overdose death of 29-year-old Kenny Martin on February 8, 2024.

"This is the first arrest Tampa Police have made on a murder charge resulting from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "In Tampa, we have zero tolerance for drug dealing and we will pursue every avenue available in holding those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

On February 8, 2024, Tampa Police Officers responded to the report of a medical emergency on N. Forest Hills Dr. There they found Martin unresponsive in the bathroom and, despite life-saving efforts, he died shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. Officers recovered two baggies from Martin’s pants pocket. A preliminary test of the contents was completed, with results indicating narcotics.

A detailed investigation by Tampa Police Detectives revealed that Martin had purchased narcotics from Moyer earlier that day. Testing confirmed the presence of both methamphetamine and fentanyl in the recovered baggies. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner determined these substances, supplied by Moyer, directly caused Martin's death.

On Friday, May 24, 2024, Moyer was arrested at his home and charged with First Degree Murder Resulting from The Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance. He was transported to Pasco County Jail.