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Blood Samples Lead Tampa Police To 2 Burglary Suspects

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Published: September 4, 2008

Updated: 09/04/2008 11:36 am

  Eldred Tawian Baker

  Brenda Sue Perkins

TAMPA - Memo to criminals: When breaking into churches and homes, don't cut yourself and leave blood at the crime scene.

Tampa police said they recently cracked two burglaries with the help of DNA culled from blood left by perpetrators.

The first break-in took place June 16 at the Manifestations Worldwide Church, 3008 E. Lake Ave., police said.

Five metal shovels, a microwave and two 24-inch televisions were taken, police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor said.

According to a police report, a blood sample was taken from the point of entry and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis. Police said they learned Wednesday the DNA matched Eldred Tawian Baker, 30, of 3102 Chipco St.

Police did not have to look far for Baker. He had been arrested Monday on unrelated burglary and grand theft charges and was in the Orient Road Jail.

After the DNA match, Baker was charged with burglary and grand theft in connection with the church burglary. After he was read his rights on the new charges, Baker acknowledged breaking into the church, police said.

Baker said he broke into the church because he is addicted to crack and was looking for items to sell, McGregor said.

Bail has been set at $8,000.

The other break-in took place June 24 at a home at 3401 N. 54th St., police said.

Someone broke a window, entered the home and stole a plastic container with about $100 in change, McGregor said. When the suspect broke the window, blood was left behind, police said.

Police had a blood sample analyzed by the FDLE, and on Aug. 26, police were notified the DNA matched Brenda Sue Perkins, 53, of 3504 E. 25th Ave.

After police found Perkins, she acknowledged breaking into the home and was charged with grand theft and burglary. She is being held at the Orient Road Jail. Bail was set at $9,500.

Editor Howard Altman can be reached at (813) 259-7629 or haltman@tampatrib.com.

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