A Tampa man has been taken into custody, charged with the murder of a man he once worked alongside during hurricane cleanup efforts. Derrick Devard Smith, 30, stands accused of fatally shooting a 32-year-old male in west Tampa yesterday afternoon, as Tampa Bay Times reports. The Tampa Police Department responded to the incident on the 1000 block of Century Park Drive at approximately 3:45 p.m., finding the victim deceased from gunshot wounds.
According to FOX 13 News, witnesses described a violent scene where Smith allegedly shot the victim multiple times and proceeded to kick him before fleeing. The investigation also indicated that there was no evidence of an escalating confrontation between the two men prior to the gunshots, with the victim reportedly not having approached closer than three feet to Smith before the shooting took place.
The motive behind this fatal altercation remains under investigation, although it was confirmed by authorities that the two men were acquainted, having worked together after a hurricane. "This senseless act has taken the life of a young man, and our thoughts are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, in a statement obtained by WFLA. Evidence collected by police has reportedly contradicted Smith's original claim of self-defense.
Derrick Smith was arrested and charged with murder following the shooting. He is being held at the Orient Road Jail as the investigation continues. The firearm recovered from Smith’s vehicle has been impounded and is part of the ongoing evidence collection. Officials stressed their commitment to ensure that justice is served, pledging to hold the suspect accountable for his actions.
