Murder charges added for shoplifting suspect

TAMPA - Russell Horner worked for the FBI in Tampa for more than 30 years. But after retiring, the 65-year-old didn't slow down, taking a job as a loss prevention agent at the Target on West Hillsborough Avenue.

On May 27, authorities say Horner and another security guard were trying to restrain a shoplifter.

Investigators say the suspect, Mervin Bettis, was leaving the store with more than $1,100 worth of stolen merchandise.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Bettis fought back, wrestling the two Target employees to ground.

Eventually he was handcuffed and taken to the loss prevention office to await deputies.

Much of what happened was captured by Target security cameras. They aren't releasing the video. But we are told it shows the fight and then Horner having trouble walking and experiencing shortness of breath.

The video doesn't show Horner collapsing a short time later. He was found unresponsive and eventually pronounced dead of heart failure. He wife tells me he did have a pre-existing heart condition.

At the time of his arrest, Bettis was charged with grand theft and battery. But now that Horner's autopsy is completed, third degree murder charges were added on. Authorities say the cardiac failure was the direct result of the physical exertion that took place during the struggle.

As for Horner, his wife says they were married for 41 years and had two children. Just 12 days before he died he had one of the best days of his life at his daughter's wedding.