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Driver Arrested In Texas Charged In Fatal Stabbing

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY

Published: December 10, 2007

TAMPA - Joshua James Wilkins was charged with first-degree murder today after stabbing a 28-year-old man more than a dozen times and fleeing with the victim's leased car to Texas, Hillsborough County officials said.

Joshua James Wilkins

Wilkins, 23, of Zephyrhills, stabbed Wesley Bonham at least 18 times and cut his throat, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Debbie Carter said in a statement.

Bonham was found Friday in his bathroom at 14511 Valor Circle, Apt. 101. Bonham's body was covered with a comforter. Two knives were hidden in a couch in the apartment.

The couch was used to barricade the apartment door from the inside, deputies said.

Bonham had met Wilkins a few days before his death, officials said. Bonham invited Wilkins to sleep on the couch. No motive has been established as of yet, officials said.

Wilkins, who was arrested in Texas on a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle, will be extradited to Hillsborough County.

Two detectives are in Boerne, Texas, interviewing Wilkins and recovering evidence from the Honda Accord he took.

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