Janice R. Andrews
An evening of joy soon turned into a nightmare for a couple from Florida who won $3,300 at a casino and were pursued home. After leaving the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, the pair, identified as Kim Chambliss and her lover Val Delacruz, were attacked, robbed, and shot by two masked men in the early hours of August 2, 2023. The incident happened outside their Riverview, Florida, home at about five in the morning.
Tristin Wright, 36, and Marcus Jenkins, 34, are the suspects in connection with the robbery and shooting, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Both defendants are accused with several offenses, including violence, robbery, and possession of a handgun. Jenkins has been charged with attempted murder. A third suspect in the event is still being sought after by the authorities.
The Shooting and Ambush
Delacruz won $3,300 on a slot machine during their romantic date night at the casino with Chambliss. They celebrated for many hours before leaving the casino, not realizing that two guys had been observing them all along. The two men pursued them and ambushed them outside their house when they got home.
In a WTVT interview, Chambliss described the harrowing experience. My initial reaction upon hearing another gunshot was, ‘They’ve murdered him.’ “I cried and screamed, I was sobbing,” she recalled the instant the assailants shot Delacruz. “We’re just regular people who love each other and were out having a good time,” she continued. It’s frightening to understand that we were being followed at all times and were unaware of it.”
During the attack, Delacruz was shot five times by the thieves, striking him in both legs. He attempted to run away, but was shot once again as he got to his front door. Delacruz stated to WTVT, “I ran and I fell in the door, and the other guy came out and shot me again for the third time in my left leg.” Although Chambliss did not sustain any bodily injuries, the encounter left her frightened.
Captured on Video
The guys surrounded the couple’s car, demanded money, then shot Delacruz as he begged for his life. The whole incident was caught on the Ring camera. Additionally, the video showed the attackers leaving the area as nearby residents went outdoors. According to Chambliss, “We’ve always felt comfortable in the neighborhood and at home. Having something taken away makes me feel so insecure.”
Swift Arrests Obtained
The culprits were identified by investigators using CCTV video from the casino. Prior to accompanying Chambliss and Delacruz home, Wright and Jenkins were seen on video observing them in the casino for more than two hours. Both males were quickly located and taken into custody by law police.
A spokesman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office verified that both victims were hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and are anticipated to make a full recovery. It will take a lot longer for the psychological damage caused by the attack to recover, though.
“We’re Just Average People”
Chambliss was open about the impact this incident has had on both her and Delacruz. “We don’t get to go out often because we both work extremely hard,” she stated to WTVT. What was supposed to be a rare night of relaxation for the couple became an experience they will never forget. Delacruz continued, saying he wasn’t aware they were being followed even though he is normally aware of his surroundings.
The horrific incident that befell the couple serves as a warning about the dangers of winning money at casinos and the value of being alert of one’s surroundings, particularly when exiting such venues. While they hunt for the third suspect, police are still investigating the crime.
