Suspect Wanted in Deadly Shooting of Tampa Woman Arrested

Mug shot of Derrick Dempsey, 35. Photo by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office | Arrest Records Database

The prime suspect wanted in connection to a deadly shooting of a Tampa woman that occurred on December 17, 2024, has been arrested at a residence in the 1700 block of West St. Joseph Street, a press release from the City of Tampa and Tampa Police Department states.

Just before 5:45 am on Tuesday, December 17, the Tampa Police Department responded to the report of a gunshot heard from a home on St. Joseph St. Officers quickly arrived on the scene to find an adult white female in her mid-30s with a gunshot wound and immediately began administering life-saving measures.

The victim, who at this time has not been named, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she passed from her injuries.

Witnesses reported that the suspect, 35-year-old Derrick Dempsey, was arguing with the woman known to him inside of a pickup truck; shortly after, witnesses watched Dempsey exit the vehicle, hit the woman, and retrieve a shotgun from the truck before they heard a gunshot.

With the assistance of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Dempsey was arrested without incident and the shotgun used in the shooting was also collected. Dempsey has since been booked into the Falkenburg Road Jail and faces one charge for Murder in the First Degree, pre-meditated with the discharge of a firearm. At this time, no bond has been set.

"This dangerous and calloused criminal showed no regard for human life, but thanks to the strong partnership between the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department, we were able to bring this individual into custody," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are proud to provide the assistance and assets needed to support our partners in keeping our community safe."

As of publication, the investigation is still active and ongoing. Additional details will be provided by the Public Affairs Office for the City of Tampa and Tampa Police Department as they become available.

The Tampa Police Department encourages anyone who may be a victim of domestic violence to seek help by calling law enforcement. Anyone in-need of immediate assistance is urged to call 911.

Additional resources for potential domestic violence victims are available at tampa.gov/police/info/domestic-violence.

Article by Rachael Volpe