Sarasota police detectives: Tamiami Trail murders are likely connected

SARASOTA, Fla. - For the past month, Sarasota police detectives have had their hands full investigating not one, but two deaths that have rattled their community. Now, a suspect is behind bars for one of those murders and could be facing charges in the other.

Monday, Intern Police Chief Rex Troche said 52-year-old William Devonshire was arrested Friday for trespassing and drug possession. His DNA matched the evidence found where Kelliann Ripley's body was found last month. 

Investigators have been looking into the suspicious death of the 48-year-old woman after her body was found on February 25 near the Centennial Park boat ramp on North Tamiami Trail.

"We took many walks just walking by ourselves and walking and talking and hanging out by the boat docks. That could have been me. It's just a really freak scary thing," said Tina Rosario.

On the streets of Sarasota is where Tina Rosario first met Devonshire. She was also friends with Ripley.

"You don't just wake up a murderer. It’s something that is built up in your DNA and once it’s there it’s like anything else," said Rosario.

The DNA belonging to Devonshire was the one thing Sarasota police needed to seal their case.

"Mister Devonshire gave up the buckle swab, which in this case was a huge break in our case," said Chief Troche.

Chief Troche said Devonshire was arrested on Friday, after officers spotted him trespassing at Pioneer Park. They had been keeping an eye on him. 

During their investigation, officers used Ripley's cell phone to trace her last known whereabouts. On surveillance footage, officers found Devonshire walking with Ripley. They described their movements as he pointed and walked toward the area where Ripley would lose her life.

"Video did play a huge role. Technology overall did play a huge role. The science played another massive factor. and again I just want to commend our people. Without the boots on the ground, without them making contact, we wouldn't be here today," said Troche.

Troche said Devonshire is a "strong suspect" in the second murder case.

PREVIOUS: Two 'suspicious' homicides put Sarasota community on edge

On March 10, just a few weeks after Kelliann's remains were found, the body of a 52-year-old woman was also found on North Tamiami Trail just a half-mile away from the first scene. 

"Our detectives are continuing to follow up on leads," Troche said. "We believe these two homicides are connected. The facts and evidence in both cases lead up to believe they are connected. There is a very strong correlation."

Courtesy of Kelliann Ripley's family

As for those closest to Ripley their pain continues.

"I hope he gets what he deserves. He took a life, he should lose his. That’s what I want for him. I want him to rot," said Randy Linder, Ripley's boyfriend.

Surveillance image of William Devonshire at the county jail

In a statement, Ripley's daughter said: 

"My mom was such an amazing person who brought positive energy to everyone. If you met her, you loved her. She would do absolutely anything for anybody. My mom didn’t judge anyone no matter who they were or what happened in their life. She was quick to love and fast to encourage the next person. Of course like any person she had her struggles but my mom was not alone. She had so many people that loved her. Her family loved her so much and we are all very hurt by this."

The interim chief said Devonshire had a previous murder conviction in Delaware in 2005. At this time, "he's not being really cooperative."

If you have information on the cases, call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or CrimeStoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-TIPS.