The Tampa community faced a wrenching event this past Tuesday when a woman was fatally shot in an incident now resulting in an arrest. According to a Tampa Government official statement, Derrick Dempsey, born November 29, 1989, has been taken into custody and charged with First-Degree murder after a two-day manhunt.
As per the details released, Tampa Police were called to the scene of the crime in the early morning hours of December 17, 2024, following reports of gunshots from a residence on the 1700 block of West Saint Joseph Street. Upon arriving, the officers discovered an adult white female in her mid-30s suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts to provide life-saving measures, the victim later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
Witnesses at the scene relayed to law enforcement that Dempsey was seen arguing with a woman known to him in a pickup truck prior to the shooting. The altercation escalated when Dempsey reportedly stepped out of the vehicle, assaulted the victim, and fetched a firearm which was followed by the sound of a gunshot. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw lamented the loss, saying, "This is a tragic loss that no family should have to endure," as per the Tampa Government official statement. He went on to commend the collaborative efforts leading to Dempsey's arrest in partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Assisted by the Sheriff's Office, authorities reported that Dempsey was arrested without any incidents, and a shotgun was recovered at the scene. Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the cooperation between the agencies, stating, "This dangerous and calloused criminal showed no regard for human life, but thanks to the strong partnership between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department, we were able to bring this individual into custody," as mentioned in the Tampa Government's official statement.
The investigation into the shooting continues and the Tampa Police Department urges individuals facing domestic violence situations to seek assistance. Resources for those in need can be found at tampa.gov/police/info/domestic-violence, and the department encourages reaching out to law enforcement to obtain necessary help and protection.
