Roosevelt Thomas, a 60-year-old resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on July 13, 2019, in Deland, Florida. Thomas, who worked as a cook, was found dead in an apartment on South Parsons Avenue. The circumstances surrounding his death were immediately deemed suspicious, leading to a thorough investigation by local authorities.
The investigation revealed that Thomas was fatally shot during an argument with Alonzo Harkness, the 25-year-old son of Thomas's
girlfriend, Hattie Gilchrist. On the night of the incident, Harkness had come to his mother's apartment and requested to stay for a while. During his stay, Harkness, who had a history of mental health issues and was off his medication, expressed suicidal thoughts and asked his mother to accompany him to a mental health facility. Fearing for her safety due to Harkness's past aggressive behavior, Gilchrist called law enforcement for assistance.
As Gilchrist was on the phone with the dispatcher, Harkness entered the room where Thomas was lying in bed. An argument ensued, during which Harkness asked Thomas if he thought he was crazy. Without waiting for a response, Harkness shot Thomas multiple times, leading to his immediate death. Harkness fled the scene but was later apprehended by police in Daytona Beach.
Harkness was charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His criminal history included multiple felony convictions and previous prison terms. During the trial, it was revealed that Harkness had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had not been taking his prescribed medication for two weeks prior to the incident. Despite his mental health issues, the jury found Harkness guilty of second-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison, with an additional 15 years for the firearm charge.
The case of Roosevelt Thomas's death highlights the tragic consequences of untreated mental illness and the complexities involved in legal proceedings where mental health is a significant factor. The investigation and trial brought some closure to Thomas's family, but the loss of his life remains a poignant reminder of the need for better mental health support and intervention.
