In fear, vigilance, Tampa enclave waits

TAMPA — There was a time, not long ago, when Christina Rodriguez would shop whenever she wanted. Michael Fuller would go to his night job as a line cook, not too worried about his wife at home.

That was before the arrival of “the serial killer,” as residents are now calling whoever snuffed out three lives in the last two weeks in southeast Seminole Heights.

Nighttime errands have shifted to daylight. Residents keep porch lights on. And Fuller, 47, said Friday, “I’m almost ready to move.”

From the trendy Fodder & Shine restaurant, where traffic is unusually slow, to the Giddens Avenue city park where a group of residents spent time trading theories about the killings, no one could avoid being affected by the gruesome, seemingly random events.

“They say we all have a time to go,” said Rodriguez, who was shopping for her 5-year-old son’s birthday party. “But I don’t think it’s fair for somebody to pick your time for you.”

They took little comfort in the commonality of the crimes — that the victims were alone, outside in the evening and sometimes rode the bus. Still, some found comfort in stopping to honor the lives lost.

More than 50 people from the community marched at a rally Friday evening. Many shouted, “Remember Anthony,” “Remember Monica,” “Remember Benjamin.”

Nathan Dufresne, who organized the march, told the crowd not to let whoever was doing this to keep them from living their lives. He also warned people not to walk home alone. “Be safe, be vigilant,” he said. “But also, don’t lock your doors and hide your head under a pillow. Get out there and let him know we aren’t afraid.” Some couldn’t help but be afraid. Tampa City Council member Frank Reddick said he’s heard from frightened constituents. “They’re afraid to be out after dark because the person is still on the loose,” he said. “They appreciate the increase in law enforcement. Most of them are just frightened and don’t know what to do.”