TAMPA, Fla. — A 35-year-old man is behind bars after police said he shot and killed a woman on Tuesday in Tampa.
Derrick Dempsey was arrested in Hillsborough County Tuesday night and charged with first-degree murder, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) said.
“This is a tragic loss that no family should have to endure,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “We are thankful this dangerous individual is no longer on the street and for the partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office that led to a quick arrest in this case.”
Shortly before 5:45 a.m. on Dec. 17, police arrived at a home in the 1700 block of West Saint Joseph Street after receiving a call of shots fired in the home. At the scene, TPD said officers found a woman, who appeared to be in her mid-30s, shot. They immediately began life-saving measures, and she was taken to a local hospital, where she passed away.
Through its investigation, TPD said witnesses told them that Dempsey argued with a woman he knew inside a pickup truck. Dempsey then got out of the truck, hit the woman, and took out a gun before witnesses heard a gunshot.
The 35-year-old was eventually arrested. A shotgun was also collected by the authorities.
"This dangerous and calloused criminal showed no regard for human life, but thanks to the strong partnership between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department, we were able to bring this individual into custody," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We are proud to provide the assistance and assets needed to support our partners in keeping our community safe."
TPD said the investigation of the incident is still ongoing. Anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic violence is urged to seek help by calling law enforcement. For more resources, click here.
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