Tampa Man Charged With Murder in Alleged Hammer Attack

A Tampa man is in jail this afternoon facing charges of first-degree murder after Hillsborough County authorities say he admitted to breaking into an East Lake-Orient Park home and attacking its owner with a hammer.

Deputies say Sean Joseph Anderson broke into a home belonging to Wendell Scott in the pre-dawn hours of February 5. Making his ingress via an unlocked rear entrance, Anderson allegedly proceeded directly to the bedroom and, finding Scott soundly asleep, commenced to attack him with a hammer he brought along for the occasion.

Allegedly striking the 63-year-old Scott about the head and neck, investigators say Anderson followed the attack by stealing from the dying man his wallet, credit cards, cash, and methamphetamine.

Scott expired at the scene. Investigators say Anderson, whose activities they indicate were captured on a video surveillance system at the home, admitted to committing the attack when questioned. Anderson previously rented a room at the residence from Scott, who later evicted him and installed the cameras that authorities say captured Scott’s killing by Anderson.

The 47-year-old Maryland native was arrested later that evening and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail the next morning. With an extensive arrest and incarceration record in Florida for petty and violent crimes, Anderson is currently being held without bond and is facing charges of home invasion robbery, battery, third-degree grand theft, armed burglary of a dwelling with assault, and first-degree murder.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.