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- Det. Samantha Choon
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MDSO Cold Case Detectives Solve Decade-Old Homicide Case
MIAMI-DADE ( October 31, 2025 )–
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) Cold Case Unit has successfully closed a decade-old homicide investigation with the conviction and life sentencing of Timothy Thomas III, for the 2015 murder of Renaldo Clayton.
On October 19, 2015, at approximately 9:38 p.m., Florida City Police Department officers responded to a residence located at 1635 NW 1 Avenue, Florida City, regarding a man found unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr. Clayton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue pronounced him deceased at the scene.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homicide Bureau, along with the Street Violence Task Force, Narcotics Bureau, and K-9 units, assisted in the original investigation. Despite extensive efforts, the case went cold.
In early 2024, the MDSO Cold Case Unit was contacted by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) after detectives discovered internet searches related to the homicide on a phone used by Timothy Thomas III. Further investigation revealed that just four days after the murder, Thomas shot a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy during a traffic stop in the Florida Keys. The deputy survived, and Thomas was arrested after a multi-agency manhunt.
A forensic comparison conducted by MDSO’s Forensic Services Division confirmed that shell casings from both incidents were fired from the same firearm and obtained multiple witness statements, confirming his involvement in the planned robbery and murder.
On April 25, 2025, Thomas was extradited to Miami-Dade County and charged with Second-Degree Murder. On October 30, 2025, during a court hearing before the Honorable Judge Michelle Delancy, Thomas accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The MDSO Cold Case Unit extends its appreciation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Key West Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration and support throughout this investigation.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims, no matter how much time has passed.
Case Info
Topic:
Homicide
Case #:
PD151019393321
Date & Time of Occurrence:
10/19/2015
at approx.
9:38 p.m.
Address of Occurrence:
1635 NW 1 Avenue
Florida City, FL
Florida City, FL
Subject(s) Info:
Subject #1:
Subject's Name:
Timothy Thomas III, (B/M)
Subject's Age:
34 Years-of-Age
Subject's Charges:
Second Degree Murder
Deceased Info:
Deceased #1:
Deceased's Name:
Renaldo Clayton, (B/M)
Deceased's Age:
32 Years-of-Age at time of death
# # #
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
Fred Taylor Headquarters - 9105 NW 25th Street,
Doral, FL 33172
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