Samuel J. Carter, a 36-year-old white male, was serving as a captain in the Tampa Police Department when he was fatally shot on May 29, 1905. On that fateful evening, Captain Carter was in charge of the department while Police Chief J. S. Jones was on vacation. He responded to a distress call from Mabel Dennis, who reported that her stepfather, Phiander Knapp, was threatening her with a gun. Captain Carter and Ms.
Dennis went searching for Knapp behind Hillsborough High School and then on Franklin Street. During their search, Knapp, who was hiding behind some bushes, suddenly jumped out and shot Captain Carter from a distance of about ten feet. Captain Carter was immediately taken to a neighbor's house and later moved to his home at 1902 Taliaferro Avenue, where he succumbed to his injuries three days later on June 2, 1905.
Following the shooting, Phiander Knapp was arrested within two hours. He was charged with the murder of Captain Samuel J. Carter. During the trial, Knapp claimed that he acted in self-defense. Despite the gravity of the charges, Knapp was acquitted of murder. The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the fact that it involved a high-ranking police officer. Knapp's acquittal was a controversial outcome, and he later died in the county poor home on July 18, 1919.
Captain Carter's death was a significant loss to the Tampa Police Department and the community he served. His dedication to duty and bravery were remembered and honored by his colleagues and the citizens of Tampa. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the complexities of the legal system in dealing with cases of self-defense and murder.
