Man arrested, charged in transgender murder

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL- The man originally wanted for questioning in the murder of a transgender woman in Tampa last week has since been arrested and charged with the crime.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced early Wednesday that 18-year-old Keith Gaillard turned himself in overnight.

Gaillard had an outstanding warrant for felon possession of a firearm, but deputies say they have added first degree murder to his charges.

Gaillard also has a criminal past that includes aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, robbery and larceny.

Clarke was found murdered at the University Community Park on 22nd St. in Tampa on July 21. She was the tenth transgender woman to be killed in the U.S. this year.

Though prayer won't bring India Clarke back home, her mother Thelma Clarke hoped it would at least bring an arrest and some much-needed closure.

"I wish that he'll turn himself in because you can run, but you can only run for so long. You will be caught," Thelma said before Gaillard was in custody. "I did tell the detective the minute they get them- I don't care what time it is- please call me. Let me know."

Thelma knows the new developments in the case won't change what happened, but she said it would still make a difference to her.

"That ain't gonna ease my pain, but at least I know they have the person that did this to my child."