The Ybor City McDonald's manager whose tip led to the arrest of the suspect in the Seminole Heights killings will be fully rewarded. 

  • Police Chief Dugan, Mayor Buckhorn announce tipster to get full reward
  • Delonda Walker alerted police when co-worker gave her bag with gun inside
  • Police arrested Howell Donaldson III, charged him Seminole Heights murders
  • Walker to receive full $110,000 reward, $9k of which she has already received

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Police Chief Brian Dugan announced Friday afternoon that Delonda Walker will receive all $110,000 of the reward money offered for an arrest in the murders.

Walker, who has thanked the community for all the well wishes, but has asked for privacy, did not attend the news conference. 

On Tuesday, Walker was at work when she reported that Howell Donaldson III handed her a bag with a gun inside. Tampa Police said they connected that gun to all four Seminole Heights murders. 

Donaldson was arrested that afternoon and later charged with four counts of first degree murder. 

Seminole Heights 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.

"She will receive all of the (reward) money," Dugan said at Friday's news conference. 

She already has received $9,000 of the money, given to her in person by Tampa restaurateur Richard Gonzmart. Dugan said it may take a while for the rest of the funds to trickle in due to various agencies responsible for different amounts but that Walker would receive it all. 

"We would not be here today with this killer in custody for it not for the courage of this one individual who just happened to be working," Buckhorn said. "(She had) a choice between saying something or saying nothing and hoping the problem goes away, this woman made the right choice. 

"And today we are a safer community because Mrs. Walker made the right decision."

Statement from Delonda Walker

I went to work on Tuesday intending to serve customers and do my job.  The day turned out very differently.  When confronted with this situation, I wanted to do the right thing and I reached out to a nearby police officer. Receiving a reward never entered my mind.

Looking back, I am grateful to know I was helpful in assisting law enforcement.  I hope you can understand, that out of respect for the continuing investigation as well as the victims and their families, I will not be answering questions. But, please know I appreciate all the well wishes and kind words from our community.