News

Actions

Suspicious death in SE Seminole Heights possibly connected to 2 other shooting deaths

Posted at 9:15 PM, Oct 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-20 12:38:31-04

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a suspicious death in the Seminole Heights area.

It happened on N. 15th St. near E. Conover St., only a couple blocks from last week's murder. 

Tampa Police officers were blanketing the area and around 8 p.m. Thursday responded to a call of gunshots. 

The interim police chief said there is no apparent motive as of now, but they are treating it like all three deaths are related.

RELATED: 

Tampa PD: Two recent homicides appear to be related, residents urged to be vigilant

Tampa PD continue searching for suspect in two recent homicides

Police urge people to light up their neighborhoods following murders in Southeast Seminole Heights

Two people were killed last week within a 10 block radius. Investigators believe both are linked to the same shooter. 

Interactive map of the Seminole Heights Murders:

Benjamin Mitchell, 22, was shot to death while waiting at a bus stop on N. 15th Ave. and Frierson Ave. A few days later, someone discovered the body of Monica Hoffa, 32, in a grassy lot of New Orleans, about a half mile away. 

Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan stopped short of calling this the work of a serial killer, but expressed frustration in the lack of tips surfacing and no apparent motive. 

"It's perplexing to be in this situation and I have a heavy, heavy feeling right now that we need everyone being alert, having lights on." 

Tampa police continue to urge residents in Southeast Seminole Heights to stay inside after dark and always travel in groups.