Howell Emanuel Donaldson III
Seminole Heights Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Tampa, Florida
TIME PERIOD
October 9 – November 14, 2017
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Howell Emanuel Donaldson III, a 32-year-old male, was convicted of the murders of four individuals in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, occurring between October 9 and November 14, 2017. The victims, all shot dead seemingly at random, included Benjamin Edward Mitchell, 22; Monica Caridad Hoffa, 32; Anthony Naiboa, 20; and Ronald Felton, 60. Donaldson was apprehended on November 28, 2017, after he handed a firearm to his manager at a McDonald's, instructing her to dispose of it. Investigative findings linked the firearm to the murders, and Donaldson's cell phone was traced to the crime scenes. After initially pleading not guilty, he changed his plea to guilty on May 1, 2023, and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Donaldson's killings are believed to have been random, with no clear motive identified for targeting the victims. Some speculate that his actions may have been driven by a desire for notoriety or a compulsion to kill, as he was apprehended shortly after the murders. Additionally, there are theories regarding the potential for Donaldson to have had accomplices or to have been influenced by prior violent experiences, although no evidence has confirmed these claims.
The Seminole Heights Serial Killer: The Unfolding of Howell Emanuel Donaldson III's Crimes
Beginnings of a Nightmare
In the fall of 2017, the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, became the unwilling stage for a series of chilling murders that would haunt its residents for years. Howell Emanuel "Trai" Donaldson III, born January 26, 1993, in Charlotte, North Carolina, would soon be known by another name: the Seminole Heights serial killer. His spree claimed the lives of four individuals within a span of just over a month, leaving a community in fear and demanding justice.
The Murders
Benjamin Edward Mitchell
On October 9, 2017, at around noon, the first victim, 22-year-old Benjamin Edward Mitchell, was gunned down as he waited at a bus stop near North 15th Street and East Frierson Avenue. Mitchell, an African American man, was on his way to visit his girlfriend, having just left his home a block away. His murder marked the beginning of a terrifying pattern.
Monica Caridad Hoffa
Just four days later, on the morning of October 13, a city landscape crew discovered the lifeless body of Monica Caridad Hoffa in an overgrown field on East New Orleans Avenue. The 32-year-old white woman had been shot while walking to a friend's home. Her body lay half a mile from the site of Mitchell's murder, with no apparent connection between the two victims.
Anthony Naiboa
The killings continued with Anthony Naiboa, a 20-year-old Hispanic man with autism, who was shot dead on October 19 at approximately 7:57 p.m. Naiboa had accidentally taken the wrong bus home from work and was walking along 15th Street near Wilder Avenue when the killer struck, shooting him in the head as he approached a Route 9 bus stop.
Ronald Felton
The spree culminated in the early hours of November 14, when Ronald Felton, a 60-year-old volunteer at the New Seasons Apostolic Ministries food bank, was fatally shot. As Felton crossed North Nebraska Avenue, the suspect approached from behind and ended his life. Felton was en route to meet the pastor and prepare for a day of helping families in need.
Community on Edge
As the murders unfolded, Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood was gripped by fear. On October 13, police connected the murders of Mitchell and Hoffa through ballistic evidence that linked both to the same Glock handgun. The community was urged to avoid walking alone at night. Despite increased patrols and over 50 officers stationed in the area, including Tampa's interim police chief Brian Dugan and Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the killer remained elusive. Halloween night saw a heavy police presence to ensure the safety of trick-or-treating children, but the fear lingered.
The Investigation
The investigation into the Seminole Heights murders was fraught with challenges. Surveillance videos captured images of a suspect wearing a hoodie, though the footage was grainy. Witnesses described a black male with a light complexion and thin build, standing between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. Yet, these clues led nowhere.
The breakthrough came on November 28, 2017, when Howell Emanuel Donaldson III was arrested at a McDonald's in Ybor City. Donaldson, an employee at the restaurant, handed his manager, Delonda Walker, a pistol wrapped in a paper bag, instructing her to bury it without looking inside. Walker's quick thinking led her to notify a police officer in the restaurant, sealing Donaldson's fate.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
The evidence against Donaldson was damning. A search of his vehicle revealed clothing stained with what appeared to be blood, matching descriptions from surveillance footage and witnesses. His cellphone data placed him at the scenes of the murders. Ballistics tests confirmed that Donaldson's .40 caliber Glock was the murder weapon, with matching shell casings found at each crime scene.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Donaldson initially pleaded not guilty to all charges after being indicted on December 7, 2017. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced plans to seek the death penalty. However, in a surprising turn of events, Donaldson pleaded guilty on May 1, 2023, receiving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Delonda Walker was awarded $110,000 for her pivotal role in his capture.
The Aftermath
The Seminole Heights killings left an indelible mark on Tampa, a city that had been terrorized by a killer in its midst. Donaldson's trial was initially set for August 2023, but the legal process was drawn out as a judge granted a defense motion to try each murder separately. Ultimately, Donaldson's admission of guilt spared the community from reliving the horrors during a drawn-out trial.
Sources
For a detailed account of the events and investigation, visit the Wikipedia page on Howell Emanuel Donaldson III.
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First Victim Killed
Benjamin Edward Mitchell is shot dead at a bus stop in Seminole Heights.
Second Victim Found
Monica Caridad Hoffa's body is discovered in an overgrown field.
Third Victim Shot
Anthony Naiboa is shot dead while walking home after taking the wrong bus.
Fourth Victim Murdered
Ronald Felton is fatally shot while walking to volunteer at a food bank.
Suspect Arrested
Howell Emanuel Donaldson III is arrested after handing a gun to his manager.
Indictment
Donaldson is indicted on four counts of murder.
Death Penalty Sought
Prosecutors announce they will seek the death penalty against Donaldson.
Guilty Plea
Donaldson pleads guilty to four murders and is sentenced to life in prison.
Howell Emanuel Donaldson III, a 32-year-old male, was convicted of the murders of four individuals in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, occurring between October 9 and November 14, 2017. The victims, all shot dead seemingly at random, included Benjamin Edward Mitchell, 22; Monica Caridad Hoffa, 32; Anthony Naiboa, 20; and Ronald Felton, 60. Donaldson was apprehended on November 28, 2017, after he handed a firearm to his manager at a McDonald's, instructing her to dispose of it. Investigative findings linked the firearm to the murders, and Donaldson's cell phone was traced to the crime scenes. After initially pleading not guilty, he changed his plea to guilty on May 1, 2023, and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Donaldson's killings are believed to have been random, with no clear motive identified for targeting the victims. Some speculate that his actions may have been driven by a desire for notoriety or a compulsion to kill, as he was apprehended shortly after the murders. Additionally, there are theories regarding the potential for Donaldson to have had accomplices or to have been influenced by prior violent experiences, although no evidence has confirmed these claims.
The Seminole Heights Serial Killer: The Unfolding of Howell Emanuel Donaldson III's Crimes
Beginnings of a Nightmare
In the fall of 2017, the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, became the unwilling stage for a series of chilling murders that would haunt its residents for years. Howell Emanuel "Trai" Donaldson III, born January 26, 1993, in Charlotte, North Carolina, would soon be known by another name: the Seminole Heights serial killer. His spree claimed the lives of four individuals within a span of just over a month, leaving a community in fear and demanding justice.
The Murders
Benjamin Edward Mitchell
On October 9, 2017, at around noon, the first victim, 22-year-old Benjamin Edward Mitchell, was gunned down as he waited at a bus stop near North 15th Street and East Frierson Avenue. Mitchell, an African American man, was on his way to visit his girlfriend, having just left his home a block away. His murder marked the beginning of a terrifying pattern.
Monica Caridad Hoffa
Just four days later, on the morning of October 13, a city landscape crew discovered the lifeless body of Monica Caridad Hoffa in an overgrown field on East New Orleans Avenue. The 32-year-old white woman had been shot while walking to a friend's home. Her body lay half a mile from the site of Mitchell's murder, with no apparent connection between the two victims.
Anthony Naiboa
The killings continued with Anthony Naiboa, a 20-year-old Hispanic man with autism, who was shot dead on October 19 at approximately 7:57 p.m. Naiboa had accidentally taken the wrong bus home from work and was walking along 15th Street near Wilder Avenue when the killer struck, shooting him in the head as he approached a Route 9 bus stop.
Ronald Felton
The spree culminated in the early hours of November 14, when Ronald Felton, a 60-year-old volunteer at the New Seasons Apostolic Ministries food bank, was fatally shot. As Felton crossed North Nebraska Avenue, the suspect approached from behind and ended his life. Felton was en route to meet the pastor and prepare for a day of helping families in need.
Community on Edge
As the murders unfolded, Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood was gripped by fear. On October 13, police connected the murders of Mitchell and Hoffa through ballistic evidence that linked both to the same Glock handgun. The community was urged to avoid walking alone at night. Despite increased patrols and over 50 officers stationed in the area, including Tampa's interim police chief Brian Dugan and Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the killer remained elusive. Halloween night saw a heavy police presence to ensure the safety of trick-or-treating children, but the fear lingered.
The Investigation
The investigation into the Seminole Heights murders was fraught with challenges. Surveillance videos captured images of a suspect wearing a hoodie, though the footage was grainy. Witnesses described a black male with a light complexion and thin build, standing between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall. Yet, these clues led nowhere.
The breakthrough came on November 28, 2017, when Howell Emanuel Donaldson III was arrested at a McDonald's in Ybor City. Donaldson, an employee at the restaurant, handed his manager, Delonda Walker, a pistol wrapped in a paper bag, instructing her to bury it without looking inside. Walker's quick thinking led her to notify a police officer in the restaurant, sealing Donaldson's fate.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
The evidence against Donaldson was damning. A search of his vehicle revealed clothing stained with what appeared to be blood, matching descriptions from surveillance footage and witnesses. His cellphone data placed him at the scenes of the murders. Ballistics tests confirmed that Donaldson's .40 caliber Glock was the murder weapon, with matching shell casings found at each crime scene.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Donaldson initially pleaded not guilty to all charges after being indicted on December 7, 2017. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced plans to seek the death penalty. However, in a surprising turn of events, Donaldson pleaded guilty on May 1, 2023, receiving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Delonda Walker was awarded $110,000 for her pivotal role in his capture.
The Aftermath
The Seminole Heights killings left an indelible mark on Tampa, a city that had been terrorized by a killer in its midst. Donaldson's trial was initially set for August 2023, but the legal process was drawn out as a judge granted a defense motion to try each murder separately. Ultimately, Donaldson's admission of guilt spared the community from reliving the horrors during a drawn-out trial.
Sources
For a detailed account of the events and investigation, visit the Wikipedia page on Howell Emanuel Donaldson III.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Victim Killed
Benjamin Edward Mitchell is shot dead at a bus stop in Seminole Heights.
Second Victim Found
Monica Caridad Hoffa's body is discovered in an overgrown field.
Third Victim Shot
Anthony Naiboa is shot dead while walking home after taking the wrong bus.
Fourth Victim Murdered
Ronald Felton is fatally shot while walking to volunteer at a food bank.
Suspect Arrested
Howell Emanuel Donaldson III is arrested after handing a gun to his manager.
Indictment
Donaldson is indicted on four counts of murder.
Death Penalty Sought
Prosecutors announce they will seek the death penalty against Donaldson.
Guilty Plea
Donaldson pleads guilty to four murders and is sentenced to life in prison.