Florida police search for possible serial killer

MIAMI: Police in Tampa, Florida said Tuesday that they are investigating a series of unsolved killings after three unrelated people were shot dead in similar circumstances.

The murders took place between Oct 9 and 19 within a 1.9 mile radius in Seminole Heights, a historic neighborhood in northern Tampa, on Florida’s Gulf coast.

“We believe the three killings are linked,” said Tampa police spokesman Stephen Hegarty.

“Each victim was walking alone and no one was around. There is no clear motive — none of the killings was a robbery,” he told AFP.

Benjamin Mitchell, 22, was shot dead on Oct 9 when he stood waiting at a bus stop.

Four days later Monica Hoffa, 32, was found shot dead in an open plot of land. She was last seen on Oct 11, when she was heading to a friend’s home.

And on Thursday Anthony Naiboa, 20, was shot dead as he walked close to the area where Mitchell was shot.

The three murders took place approximately between 8pm and 9.30pm local time.

“We are urging the community to be vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, don’t walk alone, and share report any suspicious activity,” Hegarty said.

He also urged people to not hide at home.

“These murder happened when no one was out and around. We want people out on their welllit front porches, walking their dogs, and keeping an eye on their streets,” he said.

Police are also asking area locals to share any security video that shows unusual night time activity.

In the meantime, police patrol cars have multiplied in the city.

Hegarty said that police are avoiding the term “serial killer” because “that conjures up certain profiles, such as a white, male, loner, etc” which “might not apply here.”

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Police Chief Brian Dugan tried to calm jittery nerves late Monday when they spoke to some 400 neighbors gathered at a Seminole Heights school. — AFP