Murder suspect being sent from Texas

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2007

TAMPA - Joshua Wilkins will soon be on his way back to Tampa from Texas to face first-degree murder charges, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for Wilkins' arrest Monday in connection with the death of Wes Bonham, 28, who worked for Lifestyle Family Fitness in Tampa.

Bonham was found dead Friday in his apartment, 14511 Valor Circle, Apt. 101, in the Breckenridge Apartments near the University of South Florida.

His throat was cut and he was stabbed 18 times in his upper torso before someone threw a comforter over his body, said sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter.

Deputies found two bloody knives in a couch, which was used to barricade the front door from the inside.

Wilkins was arrested in Kendall County, Texas, on Sunday morning with Bonham's rental car. He was initially charged with reckless driving, resisting arrest and driving an unauthorized vehicle.

Bonham and Wilkins met only a few days before the slaying, andBonham had let Wilkins sleep on his couch, Carter said.

Originally from Oklahoma, Bonham moved to Tampa in May.

Detectives are still trying to determine a motive.

Wilkins has been arrested several times on charges including larceny, trespassing, carrying a concealed weapon and church burglary.

Correction

Joshua Wilkins, who was arrested in Texas behind the wheel of a homicide victim's car and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, is 23, and was first arrested at age 13. A story Monday gave an incorrect age.

[Last modified December 10, 2007, 23:57:31]