The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office charged a 21-year-old convicted felon and 17-year-old juvenile in connection with the murder of Christopher Ramos.  

 

Deputies responded March 8, 2019, to the 2100 block of Banneker Way for the death of 26-year-old Christopher Ramos. Detectives recovered multiple shell casings at the home and determined Ramos died from homicide with a firearm. Thanks to anonymous tips received from the community, detectives identified 21-year-old Sean Thomas and 17-year-old Davion Lee, as persons of interest. Less than one week after the murder, Thomas was arrested for Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon and Lee, for Violation of Probation from a 2018 charge of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon. While in custody both men denied knowing Ramos or being involved in his death.

 

Through continued investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Thomas’ phone which revealed he and Lee were in possession of two weapons, a 9MM and Smith & Wesson, only days prior to Ramos’ murder. Further investigation and GPS data revealed both Thomas and Lee were together in the street, less than 100 feet from Ramos’ home during the timeframe the murder occurred. Ballistic testing confirmed the projectile recovered from Ramos’ body could have been fired from the weapons possessed by Thomas and Lee. Detectives determined the duo killed Ramos in retaliation related to a previous robbery. Detectives also believe there may be more details related to the homicide and ask the community to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941.366.TIPS, if they have information.

 

Thomas, DOB 11/04/97, of 2430 Valerie Lane, is charged with Homicide. He has seven prior arrests in Sarasota County for crimes including Home Invasion with a Firearm, Kidnapping, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and more. Thomas was convicted in 2018 on two charges of Grand Theft and sentenced to one year in prison. He was released in November 2018. Today Thomas remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

 

Lee, DOB 08/08/02, of 1080 Mecca Drive, is charged with Homicide. He has 11 prior arrests for crimes including Aggravated Assault, Burglary and Grand Theft. He is being held without bond.

 

The investigation continues.