TAMPA, Fla. — The man accused in four separate murders in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa in 2017 will face separate trials. 

After hearing arguments from Howell Donaldson III's defense attorneys, as well as state prosecutors, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Samantha Ward ruled that Donaldson would face four trials. 

Donaldson's defense argued for separate trials. 


What You Need To Know


Donaldson, 27, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty in this case.

The state was seeking to try all four murders together.

"The real tragedy of today is that this is going to delay justice for the victims and their families," said Hillsborough State Atoorney Andrew Warren. "They've been waiting now coming up on three years. And it's going to be a lot more time now to try four separate murders for this one ongoing crime spree."

The slayings, which took place over 51 days in the fall of 2017, left the community on edge and received national news coverage.

It started when 22-year-old Benjamin Mitchell was shot to death Oct. 9, 2017.

Two days later, 32-year-old Monica Hoffa, was slain. Days after that, Anthony Naiboa, 20, was killed after taking the wrong bus home from his new job. On Nov. 14, 60-year-old Ronald Felton was shot and killed in the early-morning hours.

Donaldson III was arrested Nov. 28, 2017 an an Ybor City McDonalds. He was initially slated to go on trial in August 2020.

Jury trials are currently on hold in Florida due to the pandemic. There has been no indication when they will resume. 

The next court hearing in the case is January 6.