A 28-year-old man was charged with the death of his girlfriend after he took her to his mother’s home. The man reportedly told police the two quarreled over bills.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Wednesday, police received a 9-1-1 call and responded to 1515 N. 139th Avenue, in reference to a woman not breathing. Upon arrival of paramedics, the woman was “cold to the touch” and pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the victim as 23-year-old Nakysha Hamilton.

After performing an autopsy, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death as blunt impact to the head.

LEON STEVENSON, JR.

According to police, Leon Stevenson, Jr., arrived at his mother’s residence, at which time, his mother (who was not identified by police) asked about the victim. She walked to Stevenson’s truck and observed Ms. Hamilton lying unresponsive in the passenger’s seat. She told Stevenson to bring her into the house, where she called 9-1-1 and began CPR.

Later on Wednesday, Stevenson met a detective at the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and Paris Street, and he agreed to provide an interview.

Stevenson reportedly told police that he and Ms. Hamilton became involved in a verbal dispute over bills at their home, 12802 N. 58th Street, Apartment, D.

At some point during the quarrel, Stevenson allegedly grabbed Ms. Hamilton by the neck and threw her on the floor. He also reportedly admitted to slapping and choking her several times.

After the fight, Stevenson told police he helped Ms. Hamilton take a shower and then placed her on the bed, but noticed she was having problems breathing.

He stated that he fell asleep and woke up at 8 a.m., on Wednesday, and observed that Ms. Hamilton was not moving and was gasping for air. He then took her to his mother’s house, police said.
Stevenson is facing a second-degree murder charge. He’s being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.