Man Paid to Destroy Memorial Tree | Tampa News

Police in Venice arrested 43-year-old Randy Brinson for chopping down a beloved memorial oak tree in Patriots Park — a tree that honored victims of a fatal crash on August 17. Brinson confessed he was hired by a friend of one of the victims to remove it, and tried twice — first on August 21, then successfully on August 26. Authorities estimate the tree’s value at $50,000, charging him with felony criminal mischief. While the community rallied with photos and tips that helped ID him, the person who paid him remains unknown — and possibly facing charges too. This isn’t just vandalism — it’s a chilling case of someone being paid to erase grief. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0af7453bb45fdb5a