The Latest: Florida to seek death penalty in serial killings

TAMPA, Fla. – The Latest on prosecutors seeking the death penalty for a Florida man accused of randomly killing four people in a Tampa neighbourhood (all times local):

10:55 a.m.

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a 24-year-old man suspected of randomly killing four people and terrorizing a Florida neighbourhood for several months.

Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren made the announcement during a news conference on Tuesday morning, saying the death penalty is “for the worst of the worst.”

Howell Emanuel Donaldson III was arrested Nov. 28 after police said he handed a bag containing a handgun to a co-worker at a McDonald’s restaurant near the Tampa neighbourhood where the four victims had apparently been randomly shot in October and November.

Warren said the victims were killed in a “cold and calculating manner.” He thanked the victims’ families for consulting with his office as the decision on the death penalty was made. He said some family members favoured the death penalty, while others preferred a life sentence. But he said all were OK with his choice to pursue capital punishment.

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7:45 a.m.

Authorities are expected to announce a decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a 24-year-old man suspected of randomly killing four people and terrorizing a Florida neighbourhood for several months.

Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren has called a 10:30 a.m. news conference Tuesday to reveal his decision in the case against Howell Emanuel Donaldson III.

Donaldson was arrested Nov. 28 after police said he gave a bag containing a handgun to a co-worker at a McDonald’s restaurant. She turned it over to a police officer who was in the restaurant.

The Seminole Heights neighbourhood stopped many outdoor activities as the string of shootings stretched through October and into November. The victims ranged in age from 22 to 60.