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Police hunt serial killer in Tampa
4th victim killed, authorities believe shootings are random but related
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Law enforcement agents investigate a fatal shooting in the Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday. - photo by Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. — Police and federal agents with rifles checked car trunks, banged on doors and gathered forensic evidence in a Tampa neighborhood Tuesday as they hunted for the killer believed responsible for gunning down four people for no apparent reason in just over a month.The normally quiet, working-class Seminole Heights section of bungalows and palm trees was sealed off with yellow crime-scene tape after the latest killing in the neighborhood — that of a 60-year-old man who was shot from behind as he crossed a street shortly after 5 a.m.Interim Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said it is extremely possible that the killer — or killers — live in the neighborhood."Whoever is doing it, they're familiar with the neighborhood and they're able to vanish very quickly," Dugan said.Residents and police have been on edge since Oct. 9, when 22-year-old Benjamin Mitchell was shot to death. Two days later, 32-year-old Monica Hoffa, was slain. And on Oct. 19, Anthony Naiboa, 20, was killed after taking the wrong bus home from his new job.On Tuesday, Ronald Felton, an unemployed construction worker who volunteered at a food bank, was gunned down.Police cars with flashing lights sat at dozens of intersections, and one major thoroughfare was entirely shut down for much of the day.
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