Murder trial of man accused of stabbing, burning victim begins Tuesday

The Brief

  • Donnie Adams is standing trial for first-degree murder and arson.
  • Prosecutors say Adams stabbed Rogelio Betancourt, then lit him on fire in Riverview in July 2023.
  • Adams was taken into custody after jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County.

TAMPA, Fla. A man facing murder charges for allegedly stabbing another man and lighting him on fire before jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is set to stand trial in a Tampa courtroom, with opening statements expected Tuesday.

Case against Donnie Adams

The backstory:

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to the 10000 block of Banfield Dr. in Riverview to check out a report of a fire on July 19, 2023.

First responders found Rogelio Betancourt with upper body trauma and severe burns. He was rushed to the hospital and later died.

Story continues

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