GUILTY FL - Manhunt in Tampa after 4 slayings in 5 weeks, Oct-Nov 2017 #3 *Arrest*

  • #441
New Evidence: Accused Seminole Heights killer had ‘no place to live,' asked friend about gun

So his friends are also saying he told them he had no place to stay, that his parents kicked him out. Maybe the parents are feeling guilt for not getting to the bottom of what was going on with him? Childhood friends say he just wasn't himself. His ex gf let him stay at her house, even the same night the 4th victim was shot. She's lucky she wasn't a victim as well, IMO. But it begs the question, like his childhood friend asked, Why would his parents kick him out when he had just returned from NY?
Wondering if HD might have visited those sites when he lived at his parent's house, if so, maybe that caused family conflict?
If HD visits 🤬🤬🤬🤬 sites after (allegedly) killing people, what might that say about the motive for the murders, a means to an end?
speculation, imo.


Documents: Howell Donaldson III visited 🤬🤬🤬🤬 website after 3 murders
"The name of the adult-themed website is redacted in the search warrant, but it is described as a place where viewers could see others in sexually themed situations and interact with models privately.

“In summary, Howell Donaldson showed a pattern of visiting this adult-themed website after committing three homicides,” the search warrant of Donaldson's electronics says."
 
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  • #442
The more I think the parents unwillingly to cooperate with LE, the more I think guilt is the deciding factor. Their son was dealing with some problems. The extent of which we won't know yet, but friends and coworkers noticed things weren't right, so I'm thinking parents and family probably saw things as well. For whatever reason, they tell him to get out. Then find out he has killed people. Hmmmm. I think as parents we usually want to protect our children, guide them the best we can, we want the best for them, want to them to succeed and be better members of society than we are/were. We just want better for each generation, in general. They may have thought tough love was needed, or he needed to start appreciating all they were doing for him, and since he wasn't, then though .. well try making it without our support and you'll appreciate all we've done then!

Only, things got much worse than anyone could have imagined. Maybe guilt they didn't see how dangerous the problems were, or the signs leading up to this, or thinking if they had known the whole story, they could have chosen different actions.

Now imagine the child is facing the death penalty, and you feel you're partially responsible for not being there before, so you feel you must do anything and everything to keep your child from being killed.

Yes I do believe guilt is guiding and blinding. I pray I never have to decide what decision to make with a child facing the death penalty. These are really serious charges, and while I would like to think I would cooperate, under advice of an attorney that has my child and my best interests, the reality is, we don't know what we do.
 
  • #443
Defense asks for more psychologists after first one opines on man accused of Seminole Heights serial killings
Published: June 28, 2018
Updated: June 28, 2018 at 09:38 PM

TAMPA — Attorneys for the man accused in a string of four murders in southeast Seminole Heights told a judge last month they think he is mentally ill. A psychologist examined Howell Emanuel Donaldson III and submitted a confidential report.
Now, the lawyers are apparently dissatisfied with having only that assessment.
On Wednesday, they asked for two more doctors to opine about whether Donaldson is mentally competent to stand trial.
[...]
The next court date is set for July 26.
[...]
 
  • #444
Seminole Heights killings: Parents of suspect break silence
Published: July 2, 2018
Updated: July 2, 2018 at 03:58 PM

[...]
After months of house arrest over their silence, the parents have finally answered those questions and are expected to be set free by a judge’s order today.

The Donaldsons submitted an affidavit in response to the concerns of prosecutors, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe learned at a hastily called hearing Monday afternoon.
[...]
 
  • #445
Donaldson III's parents released from house arrest
July 2, 2018 @4:56 PM
TAMPA, Fla. -- The parents of the man accused of being the Seminole Heights killer are no longer on house arrest.
[...]
On Monday at the Hillsborough County Courthouse, Judge Mark Wolfe ruled that they are no longer in contempt.
[...]
Donaldson's parents were not allowed to visit their son while they were on house arrest.
 
  • #446
Updated:
Seminole Heights killings: Parents break silence, won’t provide alibi

Published: July 2, 2018
Updated: July 2, 2018 at 08:32 PM

TAMPA — Ever since Howell Emanuel Donaldson III was accused of killing four people in southeast Seminole Heights, prosecutors have had two burning questions for his parents:
One: Did Howell Jr. and Rosita Donaldson know their son’s whereabouts at the time of the murders?
Two: Did he have a history of mental illness?
Until Monday, the parents consistently refused to answer, even under subpoena. Because of that, on Feb. 20, a judge found them in contempt of court and put them on house arrest.
Four months later, the Donaldsons have relented.
Their answer to both questions? No.
They have no alibi for their son on the days and nights of the shootings.
And they have no information, they said, about him having mental health problems.
[...]
 
  • #447
I don't understand the reasoning the parents had for refusing to answer those two questions. As a parent, I would answer the questions immediately without hesitation.

I will say that I do not envy the parent's position. It would be difficult to wrap your head around the fact that your own son would be capable of such acts.

As a parent, with the few facts that have been disclosed, I emphasize with the victims family members as well as the parents of this young man.
 
  • #448
On the night of her son’s arrest, Rosita Donaldson told police that he lived at home and was in every night by 5 p.m., records show. Her words conflicted with those of several friends, who said Donaldson told them he’d been kicked out of his parents’ house.

"(The affidavit) allowed us to investigate that avenue and determine they had no specific information about their son’s whereabouts at the time of the murders," Warren said.

Speculation about Donaldson’s mental state has dogged the case since his Nov. 28 arrest. Warren has said he intends to seek the death penalty. Any mental health diagnosis could be a mitigating factor that could keep Donaldson off death row if convicted.

But if he is mentally ill, his parents shared no knowledge of that, according to Warren.

"From the beginning, our focus was not on punishing the parents," Warren said. "I empathize with the parents’ situation, but our priority and my responsibility is the integrity of the process and holding the defendant accountable."
Seminole Heights killings: Parents break silence, won’t provide alibi

Parents may have feared being charged with obstruction, or lying during an investigation.
 
  • #449
  • #450
A year later, Seminole Heights killings take toll on victim families
Published: October 8, 2018
Updated: October 8, 2018 at 12:26 PM

AR-310089770.jpg

[...]
As the first anniversary of the Seminole Heights serial killings nears, no one feels it like the families of the four people police say were slain by Howell Emanuel Donaldson III, 24.
For them, life won’t ever be the same.
[...]
 
  • #451
Accused Seminole Heights killer was arrested one year ago today
Published 4 hours ago
One year ago today, a nearly two-month reign of terror in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood -- an otherwise hip and happy bastion of trendy eateries, cozy Craftsman bungalows and old Florida roots -- came to an end.
[...]
Howell Donaldson III
He faces four charges of murder in the first degree for allegedly killing Benjamin Mitchell, 22; Monica Hoffa, 32; Anthony Naiboa, 20; and Ronald Felton, 60, between Oct. 9 and Nov. 14.
[...]
The next disposition hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2019. Legal experts previously told the Tampa Bay Times it could take up to three years for the legal saga to end.
 
  • #452
Accused Seminole Heights killer was arrested one year ago today
Published 4 hours ago
One year ago today, a nearly two-month reign of terror in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood -- an otherwise hip and happy bastion of trendy eateries, cozy Craftsman bungalows and old Florida roots -- came to an end.
[...]
Howell Donaldson III
He faces four charges of murder in the first degree for allegedly killing Benjamin Mitchell, 22; Monica Hoffa, 32; Anthony Naiboa, 20; and Ronald Felton, 60, between Oct. 9 and Nov. 14.
[...]
The next disposition hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2019. Legal experts previously told the Tampa Bay Times it could take up to three years for the legal saga to end.

Wow! Has it really been a year already? Where does the time go? It feels like that was just three months ago.
 
  • #453
I agree. I was in deep researching this case, too. I still think of the victims and their families often.
 
  • #454
And “three years for the legal saga to end” is awful. He gets more time than they’ll every have and the families are put through more years of limbo waiting for justice.
 
  • #455
Suspect in Seminole Heights killings complains of health problems in jail, asks judge for help
January 29, 2019
TAMPA — Howell Emanuel Donaldson III says jail is making him sick.

The man accused in the shooting deaths of four people in Tampa's southeast Seminole Heights neighborhood asked a judge Tuesday to have a doctor examine him, saying his 427 days of incarceration have damaged his health.

"Since I've been in jail, I've had unfortunate things happen to me," Donaldson said. "Since I've been in there I've become physically ill. ... I'm just asking for you to just get me some help, some professional help."

Donaldson's plea, which came at the end of a routine court hearing Tuesday, was the first time he has spoken at length publicly since his arrest. Standing in a jury box before a crowded courtroom, he complained to Hillsborough Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe about unspecified ailments.
[...]
A pair of mental health experts previously evaluated Donaldson and found him competent to stand trial. On Tuesday, he said his problems are physical.

"I know my body. I know I'm a strong guy," he said. "I'm 26 years old. I shouldn't be feeling like I'm 96 years old."

He asked the judge to send him to a doctor outside the jail for a checkup. "I feel like if I'm in there much longer, my heart and my body won't be able to last," he said.
[...]
Along with his health complaints, Donaldson also asked Tuesday to be present at all his future court hearings. He missed some previous hearings after his attorneys waived his appearance.

But he wants to know what's going on, he said. The judge declined his request to have the court pay for transcripts of the missed hearings. But Wolfe told Donaldson he had a right to attend future hearings.
[...]
 
  • #456
Poor, poor guy. Apparently he doesn't like prison very much. At least he is breathing, eating, sleeping, exercising, talking with his inmate friends, showering, etc., etc. His alleged victims remain unable to do those things.
 
  • #457
Suspect in Seminole Heights killings complains of health problems in jail, asks judge for help
January 29, 2019
TAMPA — Howell Emanuel Donaldson III says jail is making him sick.

The man accused in the shooting deaths of four people in Tampa's southeast Seminole Heights neighborhood asked a judge Tuesday to have a doctor examine him, saying his 427 days of incarceration have damaged his health.

"Since I've been in jail, I've had unfortunate things happen to me," Donaldson said. "Since I've been in there I've become physically ill. ... I'm just asking for you to just get me some help, some professional help."

Donaldson's plea, which came at the end of a routine court hearing Tuesday, was the first time he has spoken at length publicly since his arrest. Standing in a jury box before a crowded courtroom, he complained to Hillsborough Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe about unspecified ailments.
[...]
A pair of mental health experts previously evaluated Donaldson and found him competent to stand trial. On Tuesday, he said his problems are physical.

"I know my body. I know I'm a strong guy," he said. "I'm 26 years old. I shouldn't be feeling like I'm 96 years old."

He asked the judge to send him to a doctor outside the jail for a checkup. "I feel like if I'm in there much longer, my heart and my body won't be able to last," he said.
[...]
Along with his health complaints, Donaldson also asked Tuesday to be present at all his future court hearings. He missed some previous hearings after his attorneys waived his appearance.

But he wants to know what's going on, he said. The judge declined his request to have the court pay for transcripts of the missed hearings. But Wolfe told Donaldson he had a right to attend future hearings.
[...]

[bbm]

get used to it cause you gonna be in prison a looooooooooooooooooooooooooong time
I feel bad for the people who work there who have to tolerate his complaining
 
  • #458
Poor, poor guy. Apparently he doesn't like prison very much. At least he is breathing, eating, sleeping, exercising, talking with his inmate friends, showering, etc., etc. His alleged victims remain unable to do those things.

Exactly. This shows how special he thinks he is.
 
  • #459
Interesting article with some investigation details:
In Seminole Heights killings, an opportunity for the defense: Not all roads led to suspect Howell Donaldson III
February 25, 2019
TAMPA — Some witnesses said the gunman was tall. Others said he was short. Some said he was black. One said he was white. Another witness said there were three shooters.

The search for the Seminole Heights killer led Tampa police down a number of paths for nearly two months in the fall of 2017 before one opened suddenly and took them to a McDonald’s restaurant in Ybor City. Howell Donaldson III, who worked at the restaurant, now faces murder charges in the four shooting deaths that terrorized the neighborhood and grabbed national headlines.

Details of some of the other avenues taken by investigators are laid out in documents and audio interviews that form the state's case against Donaldson — from persons of interest identified by name to vague descriptions of suspicious characters seen roaming the Tampa neighborhood.
[...]
First, there’s the gun. It’s a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol that Donaldson handed a co-worker at McDonald’s, according to police. The weapon was later linked through ballistics tests to spent bullets and shell casings found at the scenes of all four murders, police said. PREVIOUS: Arrest report details evidence that led police to suspect in Seminole Heights slayings

Then there is Donaldson’s cell phone. A police analysis of stored GPS data placed the phone in the southeast Seminole Heights area at the time of the shootings, police said.

But until the day of that still-puzzling handoff at McDonald’s, on Nov. 28, 2017, investigators were pursuing a number of leads.
[...]
 
  • #460
Watch: Seminole Heights murder suspect says he’s miserable in jail
April 4, 2019
TAMPA — One day in early January, the man accused of ambushing and killing four people in Seminole Heights called his parents from jail.

“I can’t even explain all the stuff that’s been happening to me, man,” said Howell Emanuel Donaldson III. “They’re in here killing me. … I’m surprised I’m still here, honestly.”

The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office released a recording of the nine-minute call late Wednesday along with 40-minute video of a jailhouse visit the parents had with their son a few weeks later.
[...]
The phone call was made Jan. 2. In it, Donaldson mentions that he put in a request to be moved to a different housing unit. But he was not moved. He complained about being mistreated, though it is unclear by whom.

“When I first got in here I’m thinking they’re gonna help, they’re talking about rehabilitation, helping with your problems, your stress,” he said. But he said no one helped: “They throw it in my face what I’m being accused of ...

“They try to make it like I’m the only one done some dirt or accused of doing dirt … It’s crazy. Every day I wake up, I haven’t had one day of peace in here. I’m thinking, every day I’m off the street I can get my mind right. No, that hasn’t happened.”
[...]
The video took place 18 days later. In it, Donaldson shuffled into view amid the backdrop of a high-security jail pod. He looked haggard, bearing a light beard and unkempt hair. He picked up a telephone and greeted his mother, Rosita Donaldson, and father Howell Donaldson Jr.

“You look good,” his mother told him.

“I don't feel like it,” Donaldson said. “I'm in pain every day.”

He said he tries to keep his mind occupied by reading books. He read the 2007 memoir, “The Age of Turbulence,” by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, and a Jason Bourne novel by Robert Ludlum.

But life in jail has physically weakened him, he told his parents. His father asked if he's exercising.

“I'm so broken, I can’t,” Donaldson said. “If I do my arm will break off.”
[...]
 

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