24-year-old Tampa man facing four counts of murder in Seminole Heights killings

TAMPA, FLORIDA — After 51 terrorizing days, Tampa Police believe they finally have the person behind the four murders in the Seminole Heights neighborhood.

Howell Emanuel Donaldson III, 24, was was arrested Tuesday afternoon after police received a tip from a McDonald’s employee on East 13th Avenue in Ybor City that Donaldson had a gun.

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10 News reports that Donaldson had handed the gun to a manager to hold onto, who then called police. Authorities confronted Donaldson at the restaurant before placing him in handcuffs.

"Well tonight, goodness has won," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn during a news conference. "Tonight, in the battle between darkness and light, light has won."

Donaldson is accused of murdering four people in the Seminole Heights neighborhood since October: Benjamin Edward Mitchell, Monica Caridad Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa and Ronald Felton. All of the victims were gunned down within blocks of each other, leaving residents worried that a serial killer could be on the loose.

According to his Facebook page, Donaldson graduated from St. John's University in New York where he studied Sports Management and Computer Science. He worked several jobs throughout his college career, including with the NBA and as a 'guest experience host' with the New York Mets.

Donaldson’s family runs the Shear Excellence Hair Academy in Tampa. His mother Rosita’s social media account is filled with pictures of the family, appearing to be very close-knit and loving.

Tampa police have not revealed a motive. Donaldson is facing four counts of 1st degree murder.