Tampa, Florida – Authorities in Tampa, Florida, have arrested Whitney Newsome, 37, in connection with a fatal shooting that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The incident took place on May 3rd at around 10:30 am when Tampa Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 900 block of E. 26th Ave.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered two victims, a white female in her mid-20s and a black male in his early 40s, both having sustained gunshot wounds. Regrettably, both victims succumbed to their injuries. Another victim, a black female in her early 40s, was fortunate to escape unharmed after being shot at but not hit by bullets.
Investigators swiftly initiated the process of collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting. It was established that Newsome engaged in an altercation with the white female victim before drawing a handgun and firing at her as she attempted to flee. The black male victim intervened, leading to a confrontation that tragically ended in bloodshed.
As the situation escalated, Newsome proceeded to shoot at both the male and female victims as they tried to escape to safety. The male victim was struck by a bullet, while the female victim narrowly avoided being injured by the gunfire. Newsome fled the scene, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Through diligent investigative work and collaboration with the community, officers were able to identify and apprehend Newsome in the vicinity of E. 25th Ave and N. 33rd St. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw commended the efforts of the officers and detectives involved in the case, emphasizing their commitment to swiftly bringing a dangerous individual to justice and providing closure to the victims’ families.
Newsome was charged with two counts of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm before being transported to Orient Road Jail. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the tragic consequences of gun violence in communities, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public to ensure swift justice and accountability.