A suspect was arrested for murder in a Central Florida fatal shooting that killed a 32-year-old victim.
Tampa Police arrested 30-year-old Derrick Smith on murder charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in the 1000 block of Century Park Dr. in Hillsborough County.
Tampa Police arrived at the scene of the shooting, locating the victim, a 32-year-old black male, deceased as a result of apparent gunshots. According to law enforcement, it was evident that the victim did not have a weapon on his person or in any of his clothing.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing Smith shoot the victim multiple times. Smith then reportedly kicked the victim before fleeing the scene. There was no evidence of an escalating altercation between Smith and the victim prior to the shooting. Evidence gathered from the scene also revealed that the victim did not get any closer to Smith than approximately three feet before the gunshots were heard.
Smith and the victim were known to each other from working post-hurricane cleanup. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
However, witness statements and evidence collected at the scene contradict Smith’s original claim of self-defense.
“This senseless act has taken the life of a young man, and our thoughts are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our detectives worked swiftly and thoroughly to positively identify and arrest the suspect, and we remain committed to ensuring that he is held accountable for his actions.”
Detectives recovered the gun from Smith’s vehicle, which was impounded as evidence.
Smith was arrested and charged with Murder, being held at the Orient Road Jail.
