Tallahassee Police Make Additional Arrests Following 2019 Fatal Shooting

August 08, 2024

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has made three additional arrests in connection with an armed robbery and homicide that occurred on Sept. 7, 2019, just before 4 a.m., at a residence in the 1700 block of Normandy Boulevard.

A thorough investigation revealed that the victim, 22-year-old Anacleto Suram, and three others had left the residence earlier that night, briefly stopping at a store. Upon returning, they were followed by multiple suspects in two vehicles. As the victims parked, the suspects approached and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. Despite the victims' compliance, the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Suram.

In Feb. 2020, one suspect, Hernando Gibson, was indicted for the robbery and murder. In 2022, a second suspect, Torail Jones, was also indicted. The pair were tried as co-defendants in Feb. 2024, but the trial resulted in a mistrial.

Committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case, TPD's Violent Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the State Attorney's Office, continued to investigate. Their efforts led to the identification of three additional suspects involved in the robbery and homicide.

On Aug. 6, 2024, Dequaris German was apprehended by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force. The following day, Aug. 7, Devonte Phillips was also taken into custody. The third suspect, Otis Simpson, is currently held by the Florida Department of Corrections for unrelated offenses and will be transported to the Leon County Detention Facility.

This case highlights the dedication and cooperation of law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. TPD reminds you to report criminal activity by calling TPD at 850-891-4200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

Arrested:  

• Otis J. Simpson Jr., 35, for armed robbery and homicide
• Dequaris J. German, 31, for armed robbery and homicide
• Devonte D. Phillips, 27, for armed robbery and homicide