TAMPA, FLORIDA – A violent altercation on a Tampa street turned deadly leaving two individuals dead in a tragic shooting incident. The Tampa Police Department swiftly responded to a ShotSpotter alert followed by reports of gunfire on May 3rd, unveiling a scene of chaos and tragedy in the 900 block of E. 26th Ave.
Upon arriving at the location, officers discovered two victims who had succumbed to gunshot wounds – a white female in her mid-20s and an adult black male in his early 40s. Additionally, a black female in her early 40s narrowly escaped being hit by bullets but was present at the scene and provided crucial information to investigators.
As detectives began piecing together the events of that fateful day, it became apparent that the incident stemmed from a heated argument between the alleged assailant, Whitney Newsome, and the white female victim. The situation escalated rapidly when the black male victim attempted to intervene, and tensions flared even further as shots rang out on E. 26th Ave. It was later disclosed that all individuals involved were acquainted with each other.
Newsome, identified as the main suspect, brandished a firearm during the altercation and subsequently opened fire, fatally injuring the white female victim as she desperately tried to flee. The black male victim and the unharmed black female victim also attempted to escape the gunfire unleashed by Newsome, with the former tragically being hit by a bullet.
Following the shooting, Newsome fled the scene, prompting a swift and intensive manhunt by law enforcement officers. The diligent efforts of detectives, bolstered by community cooperation and crucial witness statements, ultimately led to Newsome’s swift apprehension in the vicinity of E. 25th Ave and N. 33rd St. Law enforcement officials expressed relief at having swiftly taken a dangerous individual off the streets and providing a measure of closure to the bereaved families of the victims.
After being apprehended, Newsome was formally charged with two counts of Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was promptly transported to Orient Road Jail to await further legal proceedings, as the community grappled with the devastating aftermath of the senseless violence that unfolded on that ill-fated day. Police Chief Lee Bercaw commended the dedication and swift actions of the law enforcement team, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to Newsome’s capture and the delivery of justice for the victims’ families.