Brandon Man Shot, Killed by Roommate, Deputies Say

BRANDON, FL — An argument between a man and his girlfriend took a deadly turn Wednesday morning when one of the couple’s roommates became involved. Hillsborough County deputies say the altercation ultimately ended in the death of 58-year-old Donald Eugene Wood.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies received a call about shots fired in the 1200 block of East Camellia Drive around 12:30 a.m. Sept. 14. When they arrived, they saw Wood lying on the kitchen floor, suffering from a gunshot wound. Wood was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after the discovery of Wood’s body, another adult male in the home presented himself with his hands up, an email from the agency said. The man identified himself as the shooter, deputies say.

After speaking with residents of the three-bedroom home, deputies learned its owner had rented out rooms to Wood and his girlfriend, the man who identified himself as the shooter and another adult couple.

Wood and his girlfriend, the sheriff’s office said, had gotten into an argument before the shooting occurred. The male roommate heard the argument and walked into the couple’s room. Wood, the email said, told the man to mind his own business. A dispute between the two men, however, erupted.

Deputies say the argument moved into the home’s common area. At some point, Wood, the email said, went to the kitchen and armed himself with a knife.

“Donald Wood then reportedly took steps toward the male shooter and the shooter produced a handgun from behind his back and shot Wood at least once,” the email said.

Deputies say the other couple living in the home were in their room when the shooting occurred. They were not injured.

The shooter, who is not being identified at this time, has not been charged. The case is pending review by the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.

No further information is being released at this time.

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