TAMPA, FL (November 20, 2025) – Tampa Police arrested 31-year-old Joel Moreno Cobo , charging him with Murder in the November 14th death of 41-year-old Dedrick Sykes.
“Justice is rooted in evidence, and that has guided our entire investigation,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “This arrest is the direct result of patience and precision, ensuring that we could bring a suspect into custody, and provide fact-based answers to a grieving family as they navigate this difficult time.”
On November 14th, 2025, at 7:10 pm, Tampa Police responded to the report of a shooting at the intersection of E. 5th Ave and N. 22nd St. Officers arrived to find two a black 4-door BMW sedan in the eastbound lanes and a red Jeep Grand Cherokee in the westbound lane.
A man, later identified as Dedrick Sykes (black male, 10/12/1984), was laying on the ground between the cars. Although first aid was immediately provided before Sykes was transported to a nearby hospital, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Moreno Cobo (white male, 4/13/1994) remained on scene. The gun used in was in a holster within Moreno Cobo’s waistband and was immediately taken into evidence. Moreno Cobo was cooperative with the investigation, agreeing to an interview with investigators, after claims of self-defense.
Detectives immediately began gathering additional evidence and witness statements.
During the methodical investigation, it was determined that Moreno Cobo, driving the BMW, was at the stop sign eastbound on E. 5th Ave at N. 22nd St., blocked from progressing by a woman in an SUV.
Sykes, driving his Jeep Cherokee, was directly behind the SUV.
Moreno Cobo flashed his lights to get the driver of the SUV to move so he could proceed.
As the SUV moved forward, Sykes’s Jeep also moved forward and turned westbound onto E. 5th Ave.
A brief verbal altercation took place between Moreno Cobo and Skyes at that time, before Sykes’ Jeep came to an abrupt stop.
Witness statements corroborate that Sykes, who was not armed, had exited his car and within seconds, gunfire was heard and Sykes fell to the ground. The investigation further revealed that Sykes did not make any threats, nor did he make any implication suggesting he was armed.
Based on the results of the investigation, Moreno Cobo was charged with Murder in the Second Degree, and on Thursday, November 20, 2025, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
At 7:10pm, Tampa Police arrested Moreno Cobo at his home, without incident. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.
His arrest photo is not yet available.