No new leads in trucker's murder, police say

By By Jerry Breeden
The Trucker Staff

3/13/2008

TAMPA, Fla. — “Unfortunately, there are no updates to the case.”

That’s how Tampa Police Department spokeswoman Andrea Davis today categorized the investigation into the shooting death last month of trucker Roger Earl Lee, 65.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of Lee’s killer. He was gunned down while waiting to make a delivery at the Clorox Products Manufacturing warehouse on East Columbus Drive.

Police believe the incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22.

Shortly after the shooting, Davis told news reporters that Lee had removed his shoes and probably was taking a nap while waiting to deliver 26 pallets of bleach at the warehouse.

Clorox and Lee’s company, National Freight, have contributed $5,000 each to the reward fund.

The windows in Lee’s truck were down, Davis said. She said his wallet was open and that its contents had been strewn about the cab.

Lee, a resident of Nicholls, Ga., arrived at the warehouse shortly after 4:30 a.m., but a security guard told him deliveries were not accepted until 8 a.m., Davis said.

Lee then returned to his truck and, moments later, the guard heard a shot punctuated by screams for help, Davis said. Lee ran toward the guard and collapsed.

Detectives have scrutinized the surveillance video from businesses around North 36th Street and East Columbus Drive for clues leading to the identity of the gunman.

Lee was married for 40 years and had two grown children. He had worked for National Freight for about 10 years.