3 men shot, 2 dead in Tampa’s SoHo district
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two men were killed and one man was hospitalized in an early morning shooting, according to Tampa police.
The Tampa Police Department said patrol officers in the area of South Howard Avenue heard gunshots at about 2:57 a.m.
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When officers responded to a nearby parking lot, they found three injured men. However, two of those men died shortly after being taken to a hospital.
The deceased individuals were identified as Kenneth Washington, 28, and Kevon Christmas, 23.
According to Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw, two groups of people got into an altercation that escalated into a shooting in front of the Jimmy John’s on South Howard Avenue.
“Looked like they were having a disturbance, literally seconds later they were shooting at each other,” he said.
SoHo is a popular spot for college students to hang out.
Marcel Caughman, who frequents the area, said the heavy police presence was unusual but he believes the video police are looking for should surface soon.
“Just because it’s the age of information and everybody puts everything on social media,” Caughman said. “So it won’t be too hard.”
Until then- investigators are using their metal detectors, evidence markers, and photographs to put the pieces together.
“We do know that the group’s knew each other and had a beef with one another,” Bercaw said. “What we don’t have is video at this point and we’re asking the public which we know people were out here in filming this to share that with us as we are trying to unfold the details of this investigation.”
The State Attorney’s Office is assisting with the investigation.
“This act of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” State Attorney Suzan Lopez said.
Caughman said the shooting put things into perspective for him.
“Well when I woke up this morning, I called my mother, told her happy Mother’s Day,” he said. “Just told her I was thankful for being here.”
If you know anything related to the shooting, call the Tampa Police Department at 812-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477. You can also send information by texting SAFETAMPA to Tip411 (847411).
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