Florida deputies solve cold case murder after new evidence emerges

Florida deputies have solved a murder case from May 3, 2016, involving Saadyar 'Sy' Johnson, who was shot outside the Del Rio Apartments in Tampa. Johnson was shot multiple times and later died at the hospital. Initially, no arrests were made, but investigators suspected Marqui Newton, now 34, was involved in an armed robbery that led to Johnson's death. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit re-examined the case, utilizing new forensic testing and tracking down additional witnesses. On May 20, 2026, a warrant was issued for Newton, who was arrested the following day in Brevard County. Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that the arrest reflects years of investigative effort and aims to provide closure to Johnson's family.