The 24-year-old Tampa man arrested in the Seminole Heights killings made his first court appearance Thursday morning. 

  • Suspect in Seminole Heights murders faced judge Thursday
  • Howell Donaldson III arrested Tuesday night
  • Donaldson ordered no bond until Dec. 5 hearing

A judge decided that Howell Donaldson III will be held without bond until his hearing on Dec. 5. 

In the criminal affidavit, Tampa police built a strong, but circumstantial, case against Howell, who admitted he owned the gun that police say was used in the four murders. 

Residents and police had been on edge since Oct. 9, when 22-year-old Benjamin Mitchell was shot to death. Two days later, 32-year-old Monica Hoffa, was slain. And on Oct. 19, Anthony Naiboa, 20, was killed after taking the wrong bus home from his new job. On Nov. 14, 60-year-old Ronald Felton was killed.

Police say Donaldson has not admitted to the murders.  

Also, he has no criminal record in Florida.

Donaldson was taken into custody Tuesday night at an Ybor City McDonald's where he worked.

Some of the family members of victims were in court Thursday.

"We don't understand why he chose our daughter," said Ken Hoffa, Monica Hoffa's mother. "We just don't understand."

State Attorney Andrew Warren said he is confident there is more than enough evidece for a conviction.

"To be crystal clear on this case, if it meets the legal requirements under the death penalty and it's consistent with what the victim's families want, we will seek the death penalty," he said.

According to police Tuesday, Donaldson gave a bag containing a .40 caliber handgun to a co-worker to hold while he went to cash a check. That co-worker contacted a police officer in the restaurant. 

A short time later, Donaldson was taken into custody when he returned to the restaurant. 

Detectives searched Donaldson's red mustang in the McDonald's parking lot, pulling out suitcases and even a gray hoodie, similar to the one worn during at least some of the murders. Some of the clothes recovered had blood on them, police said.

"I'm praying for his family," Ken Hoffa said. "I know they are experiencing what we all experienced. And unfortunately they're going to suffer for what he's done. They're going to lose a son like we lost a daughter."