‘Evil man’ arrested after killing 2 people in Tampa, fleeing from deputies, sheriff says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The suspect accused of killing a man and woman in two separate incidents, and fleeing from deputies in Tampa on Saturday has been arrested, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Shortly after 2 p.m., the sheriff’s office was dispatched after a dead body was found on the 4800 block of Alvarado Drive in Tampa.

When deputies arrived, they found the victim, and mother of a 5-year-old, Lianet Santos Sosa, 31, with upper body trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect, 35-year-old Silvio Ramon Franco Peralta fled the scene in the woman’s vehicle.

Franco Peralta then entered the City of Tampa, where he got into an altercation with a man at 8710 North Packwood Avenue . The altercation escalated, resulting in Franco Peralta killing the man, deputies said.

According to HCSO, deputies issued an alert for the vehicle and within minutes, found the suspect. Franco Peralta attempted to flee the scene but was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

“It is devastating to know that a 5-year-old child will grow up without their mother because of the senseless violence of this evil man. His complete disregard for human life has forever altered the lives of two families,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “I am proud of our deputies for their swift actions. They used their training to stop this dangerous man from causing any more harm to our community and have ensured that these families will get the justice they deserve.”

Franco Peralta is facing several charges, including premeditated murder in the first degree with a weapon, armed burglary of a dwelling with an assault or battery, grand theft motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing to elude, driving with a canceled, suspended or revoked license, and resisting an officer without violence.

More charges may also be coming from the Tampa Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.