Tampa, FL – A homicide investigation that remained unsolved for nearly two decades has now been officially closed, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, bringing long-awaited answers in the 2005 killing of Tammy Fickey.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 12, 2005, to a report of an unresponsive woman found behind a residence in the 16313 block of 21st Street North. The victim was identified as 31-year-old Tammy Fickey, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her death was ruled a homicide.
For years, the case remained open with no arrest. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit later reopened the investigation, reviewing evidence and witness information tied to a familiar suspect: Arthur “Heavy” Debose.
After an extensive review, investigators concluded that Debose, 54, was responsible for Fickey’s murder. However, authorities confirmed that Debose died of natural causes on June 17, 2024, before charges could be formally filed.
“For twenty years, the name Tammy Fickey never left the minds of our investigators,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “While the suspect’s death prevents accountability through the courts, time does not diminish our responsibility to the victims we serve.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the closure reflects years of dedication by cold case detectives who continued pursuing leads despite the passage of time.
Officials said the conclusion of the case ensures that Fickey’s family was not forgotten, even though the legal process could not be completed.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to unsolved cases to continue coming forward, noting that advancements in investigative techniques can still bring answers years later.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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