UPDATE: ARREST MADE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (January 3, 2023) - On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Kenneth Bernard Bowers was arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred on December 26, 2022, at the Providence Reserve Apartments. Bowers, age 48, was located in Tampa, Florida, and taken into custody without incident. He faces charges of First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Post Miranda, Bowers confessed to the shooting.
Preliminarily, evidence shows that what started as an argument between juveniles escalated to physical altercations between numerous people. At some point during the fighting, Kenneth Bowers walked through the courtyard area with a firearm and shot the two victims referenced in the press release below. Bowers also pointed the weapon at two additional persons, firing at one, before fleeing the scene. Bowers did not appear to be involved in the physical altercations or actively threatened by anyone at the scene.
“It is my hope that this arrest brings some amount of relief for the loved ones of the victims. Their lives are forever changed, and we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served. I want to thank the detectives for their tireless work, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, for their support and partnership in bringing Mr. Bowers into custody.” – Chief Sam Taylor.
LAKELAND, FL (December 27, 2022) - On Monday, December 26, 2022, at approximately 5:26 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Providence Reserve Apartments, located at Providence Reserve Loop, in reference to a shooting. On scene, officers found two adult males with gunshot wounds near the outdoor courtyard. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. Both victims were transported to Lakeland Regional Health with critical injuries.
Detectives responded to the scene and began processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. According to witnesses, fights had broken out in the courtyard area just prior to the shooting. After the shooting occurred, the male suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. Based on information gathered at the scene, detectives have identified a suspect and are currently working to bring him into custody.
At last update, one of the victims, a 38-year-old male, had succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, a 25-year-old male, remained hospitalized.
All information contained in this release is preliminary as this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863.834.8958 or troy.smith@lakelandgov.net.
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
· Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
· From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
· Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
· Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
The victims' names are being withheld per Marsy's Law. There is no additional information available at this time. When available, additional information will be provided via media release.
Media inquiries should be directed to mediarelations@lakelandgov.net.