2 dead, 1 hurt in Tampa shooting

Laurier and Francine Myrick (left to right) address reporters outside the apartment complex where Laurier's teenage children and ex-wife were shot early this morning. Laurier Myrick's 18-year-old daughter survived; his son and ex-wife were pronounced dead at the scene. [Casey Cora | Times]

TAMPA -- Two people were shot to death and a third badly wounded early this morning at an apartment complex near the University of South Florida, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

Sheriff's officials have yet to identify the victims, but Laurier Myrick, 38, of Tampa, said his ex-wife, Susan Newsome, and his son Laurier Myrick, Jr., 17, were killed, and his 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, suffered multiple gunshots to her upper body. He said his son, who goes by "Rick," was a student at Freedom High, though a spokeswoman for the school district said he was not enrolled there.

His daughter is at St. Joseph's Hospital and was upgraded from critical to stable condition this morning, according to Francine Myrick, the girl's stepmother.

Jessica is a mother of two daughters, ages 4 and 6 months. The 6-month-old girl was in the apartment at the time of the shootings, but was not injured. Authorities have turned her over to Child Protection Services for possible placement with a grandparent, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The shootings occurred in a second-floor unit of the Camelot Apartments, 13135 N 19th St., about 10 blocks west of the University of South Florida. Deputies arrived in response to a call at 2:09 a.m. about shots fired at the apartment. Since January, the Sheriff has responded 10 times to calls at that address. Only three reports resulted.

Relatives gathered in front of the crime scene tape that ringed the apartment complex, embracing one another as sheriff's cruisers continued to arrive - a scene that would continue well into the afternoon.

"I don't know what's going through my mind," Laurier Myrick Sr. said. "I just want to find out who did it."

As detectives continue searching the apartment complex, the families of the victims are issuing a call for prayers for their fallen relatives.

No arrests have been made.

Please return to tampabay.com for updates.

- Casey Cora, Amber Mobley, Times staff writers

Photo: Tampa police investigate the scene of the double homicide. Click to enlarge. [Carrie Pratt | Times]

Comments

[Linda of GA]

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Myrick family.

[al]

I agree Dug. Just look at Auburn University, the coed at North Carolina

[Tasha]

Dr_ Dug,
How dare you make a comment that is was a black man who do it? So I guess when it comes to Serial Killers should we assume that it was a white man? How does the saying goes when you assume you make a butt out of yourself.

[Scott]

An 18yo girl has a child at 14, and another child at 18. This girl would have lived her life on public assistance. While I feel bad for the families involved, it is sad that it akes this type of event to make people see that the issues of the black community go far beyond discrimination....

[voxy]

To the family: Sorry. People should find another way to make money. It's a grave loss and I regret the loss of your beloved family.

THE MOST IMPORTANT DETAIL HERE:

WHY did ONLY THREE REPORTS RESULT FROM TEN CALLS????

And THIS is why the crime REPORTING is DOWN.
NOT CRIME.
JUST THE REPORTING.
Thank you for noticing.

Yes, It's the cops fault.

[nurse]

it is horrible that people are concerned with how old she was when she had children what differance does that make and the person who made the comment about welfare i was a young mother and still went on to get a nursing degree so young women with children can still do something with their life shame on you for your comments i guess your life is perfect i think not!

[Maria]

I new and loved both Sue and Rick... my pet name for rick was dark chocolate. he was a good kid, very intelligent and gifted. he was a victim of circumstance, he would have been successful with a more positive enviornment. I love you Rick and Sue.