Parents Of Accused Seminole Heights Shooter Put On House Arrest

TAMPA, FL -- The parents of suspected Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Donaldson III have been found in civil contempt of court for their refusal to answer prosecutors' questions about their son.

Judge Mark Wolfe sentenced Rosita and Howell Donaldson Jr. to house arrest during a hearing Friday morning, Feb. 16.

Wolfe said the couple failed to comply with a Dec. 4 investigative subpoena from the State Attorney's Office compelling them to answer questions about their son. He also found that there is no statutory privilege under the U.S. or state constitutions that would exempt them from answering questions.

As a result, Wolfe ordered them to be confined to their homes for five months and 21 days. They must wear GPS monitors and can only leave their home for work, doctor's appointments and religious services, he told the couple.

Wolfe said the house arrest can be lifted if the Donaldsons agree to provide testimony to prosecutors. He urged their attorney, Ralph Fernandez to "discuss with them how they can purge themselves by appearing before the state attorney, hopefully as soon as possible."

If the Donaldsons continue to refuse to answer questions at the end of the house arrest, Wolfe said, "The state may proceed in any manner they deem appropriate."

The Donaldsons' 24-year-old son is accused of shooting and killing Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa and Ronald Felton in Seminole Heights last year. He remains in jail without bond.

State Attorney Andrew Warren said he will seek the death penalty for Donaldson.

Image via Octavio Jones/Tampa Bay Times via AP, Pool