The suspect in a string of four slayings that terrorized a Tampa, Florida neighborhood was arrested after he brought a loaded gun to his job at a McDonald’s and asked a co-worker to hold it, authorities said. (Nov. 29)
Photo: AP Photo
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The parents of the 24-year-old man suspected in a string of fatal shootings in a Florida neighborhood will go before a judge after they refused to answer investigator’s questions about their son.
The Tampa Bay Times reports investigators wanted to question Howell Donaldson Jr. and Rosita Donaldson on Tuesday about Howell Emanuel Donaldson III’s background, developmental history, gun possession and state of mind. But they refused.
State Attorney Andrew Warren called the refusal a “rarity.” He says most people understand they have a duty to answer questions. His office has asked Hillsborough County Judge Margaret Taylor to consider whether they should be held in contempt. A hearing is set for 10 a.m. Thursday.
The younger Donaldson faces four counts of first-degree murder in the apparently random shooting spree. He was arrested Nov. 28.