Those who know Howell "Trai" Donaldson III, the 24 year old who now faces murder charges in connection with four shootings in Seminole Heights dating back to October 2017, were left in disbelief Wednesday after they learned of his possible involvement in the crimes and his arrest.
- Donaldson a recent college graduate
- Played basketball in both high school and college
- No apparent connection between Donaldson and Seminole Heights
“He plays basketball, he’s very nice, he always waves,” said family friend Kelly Fabian. “Very polite, quiet kid.”
Donaldson, who graduated from Alonso High School in 2011, played basketball there and made the team at St. John's University in New York as a walk-on, though he never got on the court. He completed his degree in Sports Medicine at St. John's in January 2017.
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After graduation, Donaldson returned to Tampa, and in February went to work in customer support at the Ultimate Medical Academy after he cleared a background check. The company said Donaldson was eventually fired because he repeatedly didn’t show up for work.
His most recent job was working at the McDonald's in Ybor City where he was arrested on Tuesday.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Fabian said. “It’s a shame because the family is so nice, very nice people. “
Donaldson’s parents own the Shear Excellence Hair Academy off of Waters Avenue. On Wednesday, their business was open, but the day was anything but normal, as Donaldson's parents try to grapple with what happened.
Authorities said Donaldson has no known connection to Seminole Heights -- his parents live nearly 10 miles away.
Neighbors said their hearts go out to Donaldson's family as well as the family of the victims in Seminole Heights.