Hillsborough sheriff’s detectives want to question an 18-year-old man about last week’s slaying of a transgender woman who was found in a University Area park. In addition to murder, Gaillard was also charged with possession of a firearm by violent career criminal.
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Clarke’s body was found July 21 with gunshot wounds to the head and upper arm at the University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa.
Gaillard has been charged with first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
There were also items scattered throughout the vehicle including wrappers, personal items, and paperwork. The report notes that Gaillard told several witnesses he was responsible for the shooting and that a photo of Gaillard with a. 22 caliber revolver was found on his Facebook page.
According to the affidavit, Gaillard asked one witness if he knew about park homicide and said, “That was me!” According to family and friends, Clarke was living as a transgender woman and known as “India”.
Witnesses have also informed detectives that there was a scratch on the side of Gaillard’s neck after the homicide which was consistent with a fight. Gaillard was linked to the crime through several witnesses, fingerprints and DNA, the email noted. The firearm was recovered by the Tampa Police Department.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies have made an arrest in the shooting death of India Clarke.
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Interviews conducted with witnesses revealed that there was a personal relationship between Gaillard and Clarke. Stay with WFLA.com for updates.
