Arrest linked to bodies found in burning Palm River-Clair Mel home

TAMPA — Deputies have arrested a man in connection with the discovery of three murder victims found last month in a burning home near the Palm River-Clair Mel area.

Xavier Pierre Whitehead, 28, of Tampa was arrested on a warrant Saturday and charged with armed burglary of a dwelling, first degree arson and tampering with physical evidence, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Whitehead is one of two men captured on surveillance video at 6221 16th Ave. S before firefighters were called to the home on Nov. 15 and found three bodies inside, deputies said.

Haley Stone, 20, Xavier Greene, 28, and Derek Archie, 31, died from upper body trauma before the fire was set, investigators say. Detectives are still searching for a second man seen in the surveillance video and the investigation is still ongoing.

However, the Sheriff's Office did not disclose what links Whitehead to the incident or what role, if any, he may have played. Jail records show Whitehead was arrested at his home at 9404 11th St. N.

State records show Whitehead has an arrest history in Florida dating back to 2007 and was released from prison in May 2017 after serving seven years for armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault with a weapon. He was being held without bail in the county jail.

Senior news researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Contact Tony Marrero at tmarrero@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3374. Follow @tmarrerotimes.