All posts by Rocky Pham

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Seminole Heights Murderer Admits Guilt, Receives Four Consecutive Life Sentences

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

 

TAMPA, FL (May 1, 2023) — The man responsible for killing four innocent people and terrorizing the Seminole Heights community in 2017 has admitted his guilt and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Howell Donaldson III pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the heinous shooting deaths of Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa, and Ronald Felton.

Up until today, the defendant has maintained his innocence as his attorneys argued multiple issues on appeal leading up to his trial that was set to begin in August. Instead, the defendant and his legal team approached the State Attorney’s Office with anoffer to admit his guilt to avoid the imposition of the death penalty.

“There is no question this is and always will be a death penalty case. This coward committed unspeakable acts and wreaked havoc on our community for weeks on end. He will now be locked in a prison cell for the rest of his life where he will make no more headlines. We do this with the blessing of the victims’ family members who can now move forward without a lengthy trial or appeals process. We honor Ben, Monica, Anthony, and Ronald’s memories as we close this painful chapter for their families and our community,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

“Countless hours and sleepless nights were dedicated to finding this killer and restoring peace to the Seminole Heights community he terrorized. Our Tampa Police officers conducted a monumental and exceptional investigation to ensure that this man would never have the opportunity to bring harm to another person, and this sentence ensures just that. We remain steadfast in our commitment as a police department to finding and holding accountable anyone who attempts to jeopardize the safety of our Tampa residents,” said Tampa Police Interim Chief Lee Bercaw.

“Today’s announcement can never heal the broken hearts of the families whose lives were ripped apart by this killer or the community that was terrorized for 51 days. It does however bring finality to this case. Justice for the families and the assurance that his remaining years are spent in the hell of his own making is only fitting,” said Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

“My daughter Monica was like a ray of sunshine with a playful spirit that is deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. While nothing will bring our beloved child back, it is a smallcomfort to know this coward will never hurt another innocent person again. I want to thank Tampa Police and the Seminole Heights community for your unwavering support during this nightmare. My faith in God will pull my family through this latest chapter in our story. We will continually reflect on Monica’s incredible zest for life as her memory lives on through the rest of us,” said Monica Hoffa’s father Kenny Hoffa.

Donaldson murdered each of his four victims in the early morning hours over the course of 51 days in the fall of 2017. Tampa Police arrested him at his place of employment, the McDonald’s restaurant in Ybor City, after he left the gun used in the crimes with one of his coworkers. Investigators compiled a mountain of evidence linking him to all four murders.

The State Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Tampa Police Department for their incredible dedication to solving these murders. We commend former Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and Mayor Bob Buckhorn for being a constant support to members of the Seminole Heights Community who were tormented by this defendant for nearly two months. We appreciate Mayor Jane Castor’s consistent support and leadership throughout this process. The State Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the swift evidence processing that helped to build a strong case against the defendant. Our partners at the Attorney General’s Office, FBI, and Florida Highway Patrol have also played important roles in this case throughout the years. Most importantly, we thank the family members of each victim for their courage and strength through these unimaginable circumstances.

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Defendant Steven Lorenzo Is Sentenced To Death

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, [email protected]

Defendant Steven Lorenzo Is Sentenced To Death

February 24, 2023 – Judge Christopher Sabella announced today he agreed with the State Attorney’s Office that Defendant Steven Lorenzo should be put to death for his horrific crimes. As State Attorney Susan S. Lopez explained in her opening statement in the penalty phase of this case, the only appropriate outcome for these murders was a death sentence for Lorenzo.

Jason Galehouse’s and Michael Wachholtz’s lives were taken at the hands of this monster. Their murders were crimes of entertainment and self-satisfaction for Defendant Lorenzo. State Attorney Lopez noted, “Defendant Lorenzo’s actions were unquestionably heinous, cruel, and atrocious. He was always going to die in prison given his prior convictions, but these murders require the penalty of our prison system putting him to death. On a date set by Florida’s Governor, Defendant Lorenzo will have his last meal, be walked from his cell to the death chamber, be executed, and then Jason, Michael, their families, and their friends will receive the justice they have always deserved. “

State Attorney Lopez added, “The court heard directly from the courageous, brave mothers of Jason and Michael, who have been left to endure this tragedy. I cannot thank them enough for working with our team and summoning the tenacity to face this murderer in court.”

Ruth Wachholtz, Michael’s mother, has requested that the Office of the State Attorney release the following on her behalf: “The wheels of the justice system turn slowly but they do continue to turn. When I think of my son, I think of him skydiving and the joy he had for life. I believe he will be waiting in the palm of God’s hand for me.” In addition, Pam Williams, Jason’s mother, testified during her court testimony that Defendant Lorenzo “does not deserve to be living.”

Defendant Steven Lorenzo, along with his co-defendant Scott Schweikert, who is already serving a life sentence, killed Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz in December 2003. Defendant Lorenzo was previously convicted of drug-related charges in the federal criminal justice system and sentenced to 200 years in prison. Defendant Lorenzo chose to represent himself. He was assigned stand-by legal counsel, as is customary in the state criminal justice system when someone chooses to represent themselves for such serious crimes. At various points during the process, Lorenzo filed documents seeking to avoid the death penalty, then offering to plead guilty, and then asking for the death penalty. Ultimately, he pled guilty to these two murders. The Defendant waived his constitutional right to have a jury recommend whether he should live or die as a result of his guilt. Over the course of several days, Judge Sabella presided over the penalty phase of the case. He heard from law enforcement detectives, saw crime scene photographs, read chat messages between these co-defendants, listened to other surviving victims, and heard from Jason’s mother and Michael’s mother. Ultimately, Judge Sabella issued his order today explaining the overwhelming evidence and legal justification for this death sentence.

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State Attorney’s Office Determines Charges Will Not Be Filed Against Antonio Brown Regarding Allegations of Domestic Violence

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, (813) 274-1901, [email protected]

 

TAMPA, FL (December 21, 2022) – Following a complete review of all the available evidence, the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) determined no charges will be filed as a result of an incident involving Antonio Brown that took place on November 28, 2022.

On the evening of November 28, 2022, the Tampa Police Department enlisted the assistance of the SAO to determine if probable cause existed to arrest Mr. Brown as a result of allegations involving domestic violence and battery.  Based on the facts and circumstances known to both agencies from extensive on scene interviews by law enforcement of the alleged victim, it was determined that probable cause existed to issue an arrest warrant on one count of misdemeanor first degree battery.

The SAO then sought an in-person statement under oath from the alleged victim prior to making a final charging decision, including a determination of whether to upgrade the existing charge to a felony.   The SAO’s investigation in the days following the initial incident determined that Mr. Brown’s prior guilty plea to a charge of misdemeanor battery in another county created the potential to upgrade the charge from the November 28, 2022, incident to a felony.  Florida Statute 784.03 provides for enhanced charges when a suspect has a prior battery conviction.   The crime of battery requires a defendant to actually and intentionally touch or strike another person against that person’s will or intend to cause bodily harm to another person.

The alleged victim cooperated with our office and appeared in-person on December 16th to speak with the Assistant State Attorney and Victim Assistance Advocate assigned to the case.   After the alleged victim was sworn-in she recanted her previous allegations regarding Mr. Brown’s intent to strike her or cause her bodily harm.  The SAO analyzed this new information along with the body worn camera video recorded at the scene, the Child Protective Services investigation, and the denial of a law enforcement’s Temporary Risk Protection Order and determined we could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a battery took place.   As a result, a letter of release was issued, which formalizes the SAO’s decision not to prosecute and withdraws the previously issued arrest warrant.

The SAO believes that all allegations of domestic violence should be investigated to the fullest extent possible.  Cases involving domestic violence are often difficult and involve conflicting evidence.  Despite these challenges, all victims deserve to be heard, supported and protected.

Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should seek support through the Spring of Tampa Bay by calling or texting their hotline at 813-247-SAFE (7233).

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County Commission honors Michael Sinacore and Names Conference Room After Him

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, (813) 274-1901, [email protected]

 

County Commission honors Michael Sinacore and Names Conference Room After Him

 

December 7, 2022 – Today, the Hillsborough County Commission voted 7-0 to move forward with naming a conference room after Michael Sinacore, a former Assistant State Attorney and current Assistant United States Attorney.

The conference room utilized for this honor is a meeting space for attorneys, law enforcement, investigative staff, and crime victims working on cases with our Special Victims Unit. The Special Victims Unit handles some of the most sensitive cases in the agency, including child crime victims.
Mr. Sinacore currently serves as an Assistant United State Attorney in Tampa. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Sinacore served as the Chief Assistant State Attorney in our agency. He also served as Chief of the Sexual Offenders Division and the Felony Bureau Chief in our agency. Mr. Sinacore served as an Assistant Public Defender from 1991-1997. In October of this year, the Hillsborough County Bar Association recognized Mr. Sinacore with their Professional Award for government lawyers. Mr. Sinacore trained countless lawyers still working at the agency and continues to serve as a prosecutor in the federal system.

State Attorney Lopez originally submitted the request on behalf of the agency. She noted, “This request was to honor the outstanding service of Mr. Sinacore. When a former commissioner injected politics into our request, all she did was hurt the men and women who serve in the State Attorney’s Office. I am thankful Commissioner Owen moved this project forward. He has lifted up our entire agency and honored a prosecutor we all admire.”

Chief Judge Ronald Ficarrotta, Court Administrator Gina Justice, and Public Defender Julianne Holt, all supported the County Commission’s action today.
State Attorney Lopez’s original letter in support of naming this conference room is attached to this press release for ease of reference.

 

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Letter from State Attorney Lopez to Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners

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Jury Declines To Impose The Death Penalty For The Hillsborough County Man Found Guilty In The Murder of Beloved School Teacher

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, (813) 274-1901, [email protected]

  

Jury Declines To Impose The Death Penalty For The Hillsborough County Man Found Guilty In The Murder of Beloved School Teacher

 

TAMPA, FL (November 17, 2022) — After finding that Defendant, Mathew Terry, was guilty of killing local elementary school teacher, Kay Baker, today the jury declined to recommend the death penalty for his crime.    

State Attorney Lopez noted: “We thank the jury for their service.  We respect their decision and ask that the community do the same.  Some may believe Kay Baker’s murder should result in a death sentence for this defendant and others may not.  Our team of prosecutors, however, believed at a minimum that the question of whether the defendant should receive the death penalty should be left for a jury’s recommendation.   The death penalty is the harshest penalty available and the most difficult to obtain.   I continue to believe that a jury should have the right to make a recommendation in the worst cases, such as this one, as to whether a defendant should be put to death.  I will not take that decision away from a jury.  I will follow the law.”

State Attorney Lopez concluded: “This case was never about the defendant.  It was about honoring Kay Baker and her loving family.  Kay’s family and friends have shown amazing grace and courage throughout this difficult process.  Today is the conclusion of this case, but we must always remember the wonderful Kay Baker, the lives she changed, and her legacy of service and kindness.”

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Jury Finds Hillsborough County Man Guilty in Murder of Beloved School Teacher

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit – 813-274-1901 – [email protected]

Jury Finds Hillsborough County Man Guilty in Murder of Beloved School Teacher

TAMPA, FL (May 4, 2020) — After a five-day trial, a jury in Hillsborough County, Florida determined today that Defendant, Mathew Terry, is guilty of first-degree premeditated murder in the killing of local elementary school teacher, Kay Baker.

Kay Baker was 43 years old at the time she was killed.  Ms. Baker was a math teacher at a local elementary school.   She was the mother of two beautiful children.  She was a loving, kind, and caring person, and all who knew her are devastated by her death.  Her family attended every day of this trial and entrusted the prosecutors with not only proving what happened to Kay just after midnight on May 28, 2022, but also seeking justice for her death.

Ms. Baker was in a relationship with Defendant Terry when, on the night of the murder, they had an argument.  She was found stabbed to death, as she tried to flee from her killer.  The Defendant was previously convicted in Michigan of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm to a prior girlfriend when he stabbed her multiple times.  He was released from prison, and he moved to Florida.  Only five months later he took Kay Baker’s life.

Defendant Terry elected not to waive his constitutional right to a speedy trial.  Cases of this magnitude often take a year or more to reach a trial.  In this case, however, the Office of the State Attorney dedicated significant personnel and resources to ensure that this case would be ready for trial quickly.   Senior prosecutors, including State Attorney Susan S. Lopez, helped the trial team by covering depositions, analyzing evidence, and developing the trial strategy quickly in this case.  The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner not only participated in the investigation but supported the trial team to ensure every piece of evidence was ready for trial.

State Attorney Lopez explained: “Today is a day for us to remember this amazing and beautiful soul that was taken from our community in a senseless, despicable act.    Kay Baker was a public servant and treasured member of her family.  I have visited with her family throughout the trial and our trial team has worked tirelessly to seek justice.  I am proud of all of our prosecutors and support staff who stepped-up in light of the speedy trial deadlines to support this trial team, which included Assistant State Attorneys Justin Diaz and Darrell Dirks.  I am thankful for the quick work of the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ensure we had all the evidence we needed to prove this crime. “

Cases involving dating violence are among the most tragic that end up at the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  State Attorney Lopez said, “I want every person in our community to know that there are resources available to help you get out of a violent relationship.  Violence is never ok and never the answer.”

In Hillsborough County, The Spring of Tampa Bay provides support through a 24-hour hotline for survivors to call or text – – 813-247-SAFE.

The case will now move to the penalty phase.  The State of Florida filed notice indicating our prosecutors will ask a jury to recommend the death penalty for Defendant Terry.   We expect the penalty phase of the case to take several days.

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