The tranquility of a typical Sunday drive was shattered in Riverview, as a road rage altercation turned deadly. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister reported at a news conference that Steven Edward Powers, 61, was fatally shot by Kentavious Gholston, 26, after a traffic dispute escalated rapidly. Tampa Bay Times notes that the incident, which involved brake-checking and a perceived vehicular strike, concluded with Powers attempting to confront Gholston and ultimately being shot multiple times in the back.
Thomas Powers, the victim's brother, expressed disbelief at the loss of a "hard worker and a loving, caring man" in an exclusive interview with News Channel 8, while the victim's nephew, Larry Davis, mourns the senseless nature of the act, stating "You took somebody’s life and you ruined yours," the event coming to him first through social media and then the grim revelation that his Uncle Steve had passed away. Gholston's actions, post-shooting, included pointing the gun at Powers's grandson who had witnessed the attack and subsequently fleeing, only deepening the family's trauma.
Gholston later turned himself in, facing charges of second-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, and tampering with physical evidence. Although Powers was initially the aggressor in the confrontation, Sheriff Chronister emphasized that "nothing would excuse or justify what (Gholston) did to this poor elderly gentleman", according to the Tampa Bay Times. The investigation benefited from a "flood" of tips and footage, one element being the discovery of a debit card dropped during the altercation that played a role in tracking down the suspect.
The distressing incident, which occurred near the intersection of U.S. Highway 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue, was also reportedly captured by nearby cameras, documentation aiding in establishing the narrative of the tragedy where Powers honked at Gholston for his reckless driving, which led Gholston to react aggressively and ultimately, fatally. After witnessing his grandfather's execution as Chronister put it, the grandson, filled with horror, was briefly threatened with the same gun that took Powers's life, reported FOX 13 News. Gholston’s attorney has officially notified authorities of his client's impending surrender, bringing closure to a chapter that has significantly impacted a family and community.
