Accused Seminole Heights Killer, Parents In Court Friday

TAMPA, FL - The accused Seminole Heights serial killer and his parents were in a Tampa courtroom Friday morning. Howell Donaldson III, 24, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and he was denied bond. On Tuesday, prosecutors announced that they plan to seek the death penalty against Donaldson.

His parents, Howell Donaldson Jr. and Rosita Donaldson, were in court because they have refused to answer questions about their son. The judge scheduled their next court hearing for Feb. 9 to determine whether they will face contempt of court charges for their refusal.

Howell Donaldson III was in court Friday for a status hearing. His attorneys waived his right to a speedy trial. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 12.

Howell Donaldson III is accused of killing four people in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. He was arrested in November in connection with the shooting deaths of Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa and Ronald Felton.

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