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Description
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Howell Emanuel III Donaldson: The Seminole Heights Serial Killer

Overview

Howell Emanuel III Donaldson, also known as the Seminole Heights Serial Killer, was convicted of four murders that occurred in Tampa, Florida, between October 9 and November 14, 2017. His crimes terrorized the Seminole Heights neighborhood, as he targeted victims seemingly at random. Donaldson was apprehended on November 28, 2017, and later sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Details of the Crimes

Donaldson's victims were shot with a .40-caliber Glock handgun, which was later linked to the murders. The killings occurred in the early morning or evening hours, targeting individuals engaged in everyday activities. Below are the details of the victims:
  • Benjamin Edward Mitchell: A 22-year-old man shot and killed on October 9, 2017, while waiting at a bus stop near North 15th Street and East Frierson Avenue.
  • Monica Caridad Hoffa: A 32-year-old woman found dead on October 13, 2017, in an overgrown lot near East New Orleans Avenue and North 11th Street. She was believed to have been killed on October 11 or 12 while walking to meet a friend.
  • Anthony Naiboa: A 20-year-old man shot and killed on October 19, 2017, while walking along North 15th Street. He was returning home after taking the wrong bus.
  • Ronald Felton: A 60-year-old man shot and killed on November 14, 2017, while crossing North Nebraska Avenue to meet someone at a food bank.

Apprehension and Conviction

Donaldson was arrested after handing a bag containing the murder weapon to his manager at a McDonald's restaurant, instructing her to dispose of it. The manager alerted the police, leading to his capture. Investigators matched the handgun to the killings and used cellphone records to place Donaldson at the crime scenes. In May 2023, Donaldson pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life imprisonment. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Benjamin Edward Mitchell Age: (22), Date of Death: 2017-10-09
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Killer's Details

    Howell Emanuel Iii

    Donaldson

    January 26, 1993 (age 31) Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

    Trai

    Male

    Black

    The Seminole Heights Serial Killer

    4

    October 9, 2017 - November 14, 2017

    Florida

    November 28, 2017

    07/03/2025