TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department arrested a woman with connections to the brutal murder of a 34-year-old North Carolina man.
Police have charged 25-year-old Melissa McNutt with the first-degree murder of Justin Heilig. Heilig was found in the 600 block of S Willow Avenue around 4 a.m. on September 30 with gunshot and stab wounds. He later died at a local hospital.
ORIGINAL STORY: Tampa Police investigating deadly shooting in Hyde Park
Detectives found a bloody knife and a Pandora bracelet near the crime scene. They say DNA found on the bracelet matched McNutt and placed her at the scene of the murder.
They also say witnesses saw the victim get into the passenger side of McNutt's 2018 black Nissan Altima. Her vehicle matched one seen on surveillance footage leaving the area where the victim was found.
McNutt is facing charges for armed robbery and first-degree murder. Police say the investigation is still on-going.
Anyone with information is asked to provide Crime Stoppers with anonymous tips in order to be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
