Plant City residents gathered at a recent commission meeting to express concern and frustration following a series of recent gun-related incidents, including a quadruple homicide that shook the community. Residents called for more transparency from law enforcement, stronger prevention efforts and additional domestic violence resources.
Three gun-related incidents occurred within the span of a week, prompting many residents to demand answers from city leaders and the Plant City Police Department.
On May 3, there was a quadruple homicide where a 28-year-old mother, her grandmother, a 4-month-old and a 4-year-old were fatally shot at West Tever Street and North Burton Street.
On May 9, a man was hospitalized after a shooting near East Baker Street and Thonotosassa Road.
During public comment at the commission meeting, residents questioned whether more could have been done to prevent the quadruple homicide and voiced concerns about the city’s response to domestic violence cases.
“We need to have prevention for these issues instead of having to witness and repair our community after such immense loss. We have children to keep safe. The community needs support,” said resident Ariel Woods. “She called the police 48 hours prior to the murder.”
Woods also said she has contacted Plant City Police multiple times regarding the presence of guns in her neighborhood and felt her concerns were dismissed.
Hayley Mills, a survivor of domestic violence, said the city needs more resources and support systems for victims like a domestic violence unit.
“We are not asking for answers or for information or gossip about the case. We are looking for reassurance,” Mills said. “We need to have things in place where women and children, and even men who are victims of domestic violence, can go to have resources, answers and safe houses, and we do not have that here.”
Many residents echoed similar frustrations throughout the meeting, saying they felt there has been a lack of communication from law enforcement following the recent violence.
“The big question that I think a lot of people are asking is about the police response moving forward from this,” said resident Steven Helendo. “What I do know is that the police have not come out and released anything on the case. We don’t know persons of interest or suspects. We had to find out through Facebook. The police asked for video footage and Ring camera footage, but we don’t know what we’re looking for.”
Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton read a statement on behalf of the city commission and police department addressing the recent incidents at the meeting.
The recent violent incidents in our community have understandably caused concern and our hearts remain with the victims of family affected by these strategies. It's important for the public to understand that these incidents are separate and unrelated events, currently under active investigation with our police department and partner agencies. Based on the information developed this far, these cases do not represent random acts of violence corrected by the general public. In each case, investigators have rapidly developed significant leads and are actively working to build strong prosecutable cases supported by forensics evidence, witness statements and investigating an analysis. Our police department is working around the clock, I mentioned earlier. They are not eating, they are not sleeping, They want this done as much as anybody else, I promise you that. They're working with our state attorney's office and regional law enforcement partners. Well, we understand the desire for additional details, premature release of investigated information can compromise witness testimony, contaminate evidence, interfere with prosecutions and ultimately jeopardize justice for victims and their families...
Kilton also confirmed an arrest had been made in connection to the May 9 shooting but did not provide additional information regarding the quadruple homicide investigation.
Residents remained seated quietly through the remainder of the commission meeting, waiting for further answers from city officials.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through local domestic violence resource centers across the Tampa Bay area.