The murders of two Tampa Police officers awakens memories of a similar attack 12-years-ago

TAMPA - It was less than one-year-ago that Tampa Police Corporal Michael Roberts was gunned down in the line of duty.

But today's tragedy more closely resembles a rampage that happened 12-years-ago and continues to haunt police, reporters, and everyone who lived through it.

Detective Ricky Childer's and his partner Randy Bell had Hank Earl Carr in custody in connection with the killing of a four year old boy. Carr claimed he accidently shot his girlfriends son.

Unfortunately, no one saw the handcuff key Carr wore around his neck until it was too late.

Just minutes after the unmarked police unit drove away, Carr would free himself, grab the officer's service revolver and shoot both detectives to death.

And Carr wasn't done sowing tragedy.

After hijacking a car and driving north on the interstate, Carr was stopped by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James Crooks. Carr shot and killed the rookie trooper before he even got out of his cruiser.

In the end, Hank Earl Carr showed none of the courage of the men he killed. Cornered in a Pasco County gas station, he saved the last bullet for himself.

Stay with abcactionnews.com for continuing updates on this breaking story, and for complete coverage, see the ABC Action News.com Special report: Tampa Police Tragedy .