Tampa, Florida – Authorities in Tampa, Florida arrested a 37-year-old individual, Whitney Newsome, following a fatal shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The tragic event unfolded on the morning of May 3rd, when the Tampa Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 900 block of E. 26th Ave after receiving a ShotSpotter notification.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers discovered two victims – an adult white female in her mid-20s and an adult black male in his early 40s – both suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, both victims succumbed to their injuries. Another individual, a black female in her early 40s, narrowly escaped being hit by gunfire, and was later interviewed by the authorities.
Investigations revealed that Newsome, the suspect, was engaged in an altercation with the white female victim prior to the shooting. Subsequently, the black male victim intervened, leading to a confrontation that escalated and moved down E. 26th Ave. It was determined that all individuals involved were acquainted with each other.
Newsome brandished a handgun and shot the white female victim, who tried to flee before collapsing in front of a convenience store. The black male and black female victims also attempted to escape when Newsome fired at them, resulting in the black male sustaining a gunshot wound. Fortunately, the black female managed to avoid being hit by the gunfire.
Newsome fled the scene but was pursued by law enforcement officers who quickly located a handgun along his escape route. Through diligent investigative work and witness statements, Newsome was identified as the perpetrator. Authorities were able to apprehend Newsome in the vicinity of E. 25th Ave and N. 33rd St. over the weekend.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw commended the efforts of the detectives and officers involved in swiftly resolving the case, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety of residents. Newsome faces charges including two counts of Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and has been taken into custody at Orient Road Jail.