TAMPA, FL — Tampa Police arrested 31-year-old Joel Moreno Cobo on Thursday, charging him with second-degree murder in the November 14, 2025, death of 41-year-old Dedrick Sykes.
According to Tampa Police, the investigation centered on evidence collected at the scene and through witness statements. Chief Lee Bercaw said the case was guided by documented facts throughout the investigative process.
Officers responded on November 14 at 7:10 p.m. to a reported shooting at E. 5th Avenue and N. 22nd Street. Police found a black BMW sedan in the eastbound lanes and a red Jeep Grand Cherokee in the westbound lane. Sykes was found on the ground between the two vehicles. He was provided first aid and transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Moreno Cobo remained at the scene. Police recovered a firearm from a holster in his waistband. He spoke with investigators and said he had acted in self-defense.
Detectives gathered additional evidence, including witness statements. The investigation found that Moreno Cobo, driving the BMW, was at a stop sign and unable to proceed because an SUV was blocking the way. Sykes, driving a Jeep, was behind the SUV. Moreno Cobo flashed his headlights, after which the SUV moved forward, and Sykes turned westbound onto E. 5th Avenue.
A brief verbal exchange occurred between Moreno Cobo and Sykes before Sykes stopped his vehicle. Witnesses told police that Sykes exited his Jeep unarmed, and seconds late,r gunshots were heard. The investigation found no evidence that Sykes made threats or indicated that he was armed.
Based on the findings, detectives obtained a warrant for Moreno Cobo’s arrest. He was taken into custody at his home at 7:10 p.m. on November 20 without incident and transported to the Orient Road Jail.
“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.”