Crime & Safety

Photos Released Of Killer Sought In Family Dollar Homicide

A retired 26-year Army veteran is dead after attempting to thwart a robbery at a Family Dollar Store in Tampa on Sunday, July 14.

The search is on for the killer wanted in the death of a retired Army veteran fatally shot on the job, at a Family Dollar store in Tampa, with two surveillance photos released by the Tampa Police Department to aid in that effort.

The public is asked to be on the lookout for a black male in his 20’s, with a thin build and dark complexion, seen wearing a black beanie; long-sleeved thermal shirt; long shorts; dark-blue boxers; and low, white socks. 

One man reportedly was involved in the shooting, which happened Sunday, July 14, at 4900 North 40th St., Tampa.

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Horsley Shorter Jr., 49, of 3035 38th St., Tampa, died at Tampa General Hospital from injuries he sustained at the shooting, which occurred after the 26-year veteran attempted to intervene and help a co-worker, who had been held up behind the counter, according to the police report.

Shorter reportedly was in the office when the shooter demanded money from the first employee. Shorter was shot attempting to give aid, which is when the man “forced the other employee at gunpoint out to the victim’s vehicle,” according to the police report.

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“The suspect opened the trunk and ordered the employee to get inside it,” the report continues. The employee pleaded in protest “and the suspect eventually closed the trunk and stole the car.”

It is described as a white, four-door Mistubishi Mirage, with a Florida license plate — AMZN75 — and a “Save the Ta-Ta’s’” sticker on the trunk and a sonic air-freshener on the rear-view mirror.

Police seek the public’s help in determining additional evidence and the killer’s identity. To be eligible for a cash reward, for information leading to an arrest, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Report anonymously online at Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. Or, text "CSTB [plus your tip]" to  C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).


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