On the morning of May 3, 2024, 23-year-old white female Breanna Lynn Jones was fatally shot in Tampa, Florida. Born on November 8, 2000, Breanna was originally from Brooksville. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and 26th Avenue. Police were alerted by multiple ShotSpotter notifications and 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers found Breanna and 41-year-old black male Fredrick J. Russell suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from an argument among individuals who were acquainted with each other. Fredrick J. Russell was reportedly killed while attempting to protect Breanna during the altercation. A third individual, a black female, was also targeted but was not struck by gunfire.
The suspect, 37-year-old black male Whitney Newsome, fled the scene but was apprehended by Tampa police early the following morning. He was arrested near East 25th Avenue and North 33rd Street and charged with two counts of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Newsome was booked into the Orient Road Jail.
Breanna's stepmother received the devastating news while returning home from visiting her husband, Chris Jones, who is currently incarcerated. The family and community mourn the loss of Breanna, remembering her as a young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
