Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Launches Homicide Investigation After Woman Found Dead with Upper Body Trauma Inside Tampa Home on Southwick Drive; Community Reels from Tragic Loss

 

 

 

TAMPA, Fla. — April 26, 2025 — A homicide investigation is underway in Tampa following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of an adult female late Friday night, leaving the surrounding community in shock and mourning.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), at approximately 9:34 p.m. on April 25, the agency’s Communications Center received a 911 call reporting gunfire near the 5300 block of Southwick Drive. Deputies were immediately dispatched to the scene, arriving to find a female victim suffering from upper body trauma inside a residence. Despite efforts to assist, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the victim’s name pending family notification. Officials describe the incident as an isolated act of violence, assuring the public there is no ongoing threat to the neighborhood.

“This is a heartbreaking loss of life that has shaken our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement issued early Saturday morning. “Our deputies and detectives are committed to uncovering the truth and holding the individual accountable for this violence.”

Crime scene investigators and homicide detectives worked throughout the night, carefully collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. At this time, authorities have not announced any arrests or identified potential suspects, though they stress that their investigation is active and progressing swiftly.

Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots Friday night, followed by the swift arrival of a large law enforcement presence. Some residents described the area as generally peaceful, making the sudden violence all the more unsettling.

“It’s scary to think something like this could happen right down the street,” said one local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “You never expect it to happen so close to home.”

The Sheriff’s Office reiterated that there is no wider threat to the public and that the incident appears to be contained to the individuals involved. They are urging anyone who may have information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Any further updates, including details about the victim, suspect information, and potential motives, will be provided by the HCSO Public Affairs Office as they become available.

In the meantime, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of life and the difficult questions such tragedies always raise.

For tips related to this case, residents can contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200 or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.