Two Suspects Arrested in Fatal Fire

Two of the four people suspected in a fatal fire have been arrested, according to Tampa Police spokeswoman Laura McElroy.

Polk County Deputies arrested  Kermit Lee Sanford, 34, on Saturday night on a first-degree murder warrant for the death of Richard Lee Blackman, 65.

Early Sunday morning, Orange County Deputies arrested Tanner Blake Harrison, 19, on the same charge.

The suspects will be extradited to Hillsborough County to face charges.

Detectives continue to search for two more suspects involved in the murder. Descriptions of the subjects may be released later today.

Police believe four suspects went to Blackman's home at 6709 Interbay Blvd. to rob him early Thursday. They attacked Blackman in his home and stole items before setting it on fire, McElroy said on Saturday.

Sanford and Harrison have criminal records in Polk County, McElroy said.

A witness called 911 at 1:39 a.m. Thursday after seeing smoke and flames coming from the victim's home. Blackman was found in the living room and rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he died.

Anyone with information is asked to please call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.