Accused Seminole Heights Killer Declared Competent To Stand Trial

TAMPA, FL – The man accused of shooting and killing four people in Seminole Heights last year has been declared competent to stand trial.

During a hearing on Thursday, July 26, Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Mark Wolfe concluded that 25-year-old Howell Emanuel Donaldson III is able to understand the charges against him and assist in his own defense.

Wolfe’s decision came after three psychologists examined Donaldson. Donaldson’s attorneys, the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, requested the three psychological assessments due to concerns about Donaldson’s mental health.

Wolfe’s decision Thursday was a crucial victory for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, which is seeking the death penalty for Donaldson.

If Donaldson had been declared mentally incompetent – incapable of understanding the court proceedings against him or assist in his own defense – he could not be convicted on the four first-degree murder charges. The law requires a defendant be declared competent before the case can move forward.

Donaldson’s declared competency to stand trial does not mean that he is not mentally ill, however. His mental state at the time of the shootings will be key as the trial proceeds.

Donaldson was arrested on Nov. 28 after four people were shot and killed in Seminole Heights over a two-month period, striking fear throughout the Tampa community.

The random murders confounded FBI criminal profilers because the victims – Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa and Ronald Felton -- ranged in age from 20 to 60 and seemed to have nothing in common other than the fact they were killed walking alone on a street in southeast Seminole Heights at night or in the early morning.

Donaldson’s arrest 50 days after the first victim was killed failed to shed light on how the victims were chosen and why the killer targeted people in Seminole Heights.

Donaldson did not live or work in the neighborhood. He lived with his parents in northwest Tampa and worked at a McDonald’s restaurant in Ybor City owned by his former basketball coach at Tampa Catholic High School.

Donaldson was arrested after he asked his manager at the restaurant to hold a bag for him while he went to a check-cashing service.

The manager became curious about the heft of the bag and looked inside. The bag contained a .40-caliber Glock handgun, the same weapon used in the serial murders.

The handgun and a review of Donaldson’s cell phone showing he was near at least three of the murders gave the State Attorney’s Office probable cause to arrest him.

Donaldson has been in the Hillsborough County Jail without bail since his arrest.

No trial date has been scheduled but Wolfe set the next hearing Donaldson for Oct. 30.

Related stories:

Accused Seminole Heights Killer To Receive Psychological Review

Documents To Remain Confidential In Seminole Heights Murder Case

Accused Seminole Heights Killer, Parents In Court Friday

Accused Seminole Heights Killer Pleads Not Guilty

Image via press pool

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