BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Wednesday afternoon, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor stated detectives have identified the suspect in the murder of a Family Dollar manager. The manager was fatally wounded last Sunday morning.
Around 9 a.m., the gunman entered the Family Dollar, 4900 N. 40th Street. He approached the clerk and demanded money. Horsley “J. R.” Shorter, Jr., the store manager, saw the robbery being committed and went to help the clerk.
The suspect shot Shorter, forced the clerk into the parking lot at gunpoint and attempted to place the clerk in the trunk of his own car. The clerk pleaded with the gunman and he took the clerk’s car and drove away.
Shorter, 49, was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Demetrius Lamar Parks
Police have issued a warrant for Demetrius Lamar Parks, 23, of Tampa. Police said Parks is considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators recovered the stolen car in the 2500 block of E. 38th Avenue later that Sunday night. They have also recovered some of the suspect’s clothing.
Tips from the community helped investigators to identify Parks from the store surveillance video.
Chief Castor said Parks was released on March 31, 2012, after serving a 3-year prison sentence on weapons charges. Since his release, Parks has lived with family members and friends. He has been arrested by Tampa Police four (4) times since his release for burglary, grand theft, opposing an officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A $16,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of Parks.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office website, Parks was last arrested on June 22nd, and released the following day on a burglary of an unoccupied dwelling charge.
Anyone with any information concerning the whereabouts of Parks is asked to contact Tampa Police at (813) 309-0467 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.
Manager Was Popular
Known as “J. R.,” Mr. Shorter was popular with store patrons and other members of the community. He had worked there for the past 4 years.
Aikens Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements for Mr. Shorter.
