In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the chilling Seminole Heights serial shootings in Tampa, Florida — a case that left a neighborhood paralyzed by fear and ultimately led to the arrest of Howell Donaldson III.

Four strangers. No connection. No clear motive. Just proximity.

We break down the victims’ stories, the psychological layers behind violence without motive, the investigative challenges, and the nearly six-year legal journey before Donaldson’s guilty plea.We also provide updates on the cases of Na’Ziyah Harris and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, exploring the complexities of plea deals, grand jury proceedings, and what justice truly means when families are still waiting for closure.

Key Topics Covered

• The Seminole Heights serial murders: timeline, victims, and community impact
• The psychological question: What drives someone to kill strangers?
• The comparison to the D.C. Sniper and the terror of unpredictability
• How fear reshapes neighborhoods and daily routines
• Evidence that led to Howell Donaldson’s arrest and conviction
• The six-year legal process and the decision to plead guilty
• The emotional toll on victims’ families navigating the justice system
• Update on the Na’Ziyah Harris case: guilty plea, sentencing timeline, and the ongoing search for her remains
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update: grand jury process and investigative patience

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: When violence has no motive
00:26 – Seminole Heights and the first shooting
00:59 – Community fear and escalating tension
1:29 – Who was Howell Donaldson III?
3:02 – Victim profiles and the randomness of the attacks
4:01 – Police response and reward increases
6:50 – Serial pattern and D.C. Sniper comparison
9:14 – The final murder and mounting pressure
12:26 – Arrest, ballistics evidence, and guilty plea
19:55 – Families navigating six years of legal delays
20:42 – Reflection: What ultimately drives random violence?
23:50 – Update: Na’Ziyah Harris case developments
32:43 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez investigation update
36:21 – Broader reflection on justice, delay, and closure

Resources & Links

• Seminole Heights Serial Murders – Case Background
• Howell Donaldson III – Court Records & Sentencing
• Na’Ziyah Harris – Case Update
• Celeste Rivas Hernandez – Investigation Overview

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine two intentional homicide cases connected by a deeper pattern of proximity, access, and life transition.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 19-year-old Sade Robinson disappeared after a first date. Her dismembered remains were later discovered near Lake Michigan. Investigators arrested Maxwell Anderson, who now faces charges including first-degree intentional homicide, dismemberment of a corpse, and arson.

In Seat Pleasant, Maryland, 24-year-old Lamont Adaire Jr. — a father and athlete preparing to play professional basketball in China — was shot 12 times in a coordinated attack. Franklin Scott later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 50 years.

Two cities.
Two lives in motion.
Two acts of deliberate violence.

Cases & Locations ReferencedTopics

This episode explores dating violence, digital evidence, jealousy, entitlement, masculinity, and the vulnerability that can accompany major life transitions. We examine how access and emotional immaturity intersect — and how opportunity can become perceived threat.

• Sade Robinson – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2024)
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• Life360 location-sharing app
• The Twisted Fisherman restaurant (Milwaukee)
• Maxwell Anderson – arrest and pending court proceedings

• Lamont Adaire Jr. – Seat Pleasant, Maryland (2018)
• Franklin Scott – court records and sentencing details

• Critical missing person alerts
• Digital tracking and safety limitations
• Surveillance and forensic timelines
• Jealousy, retaliation, and emotional regulation
• Cultural narratives around possession and entitlement
• The ripple effect of violence on families

Covered Resources & Links

Life360
Milwaukee Area Technical College
The Twisted Fisherman (Milwaukee)
Maxwell Anderson – Mugshot & Court Records
Franklin Scott – Court Records & Sentencing Details

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
thehotline.org

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In this episode of Murder in the Black, we examine the devastating loss of LoLetha Hall — a woman simply doing her job who became entangled in a deadly situation fueled by fear, misinformation, and an AI-driven scam.

As technology evolves, so do the dangers surrounding it. Steph and Maia unpack how impersonation scams are changing the landscape of crime, the legal complexities of self-defense in Ohio, and the difficult questions surrounding “reasonable fear,” implicit bias, and accountability.

This conversation goes beyond one case. It asks how we protect our communities, our elders, and ourselves in a world where voices can be fabricated — and fear can be engineered.

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🔎 Key Topics Covered

• The rise of AI-powered scam calls and impersonation tactics

• How vulnerable populations — especially seniors — are targeted

• The timeline leading to the fatal encounter between LoLetha Hall and William Brock

• Ohio self-defense law and the question of proportional force

• The difference between genuine fear and legally “reasonable” fear

• How implicit bias can shape perceptions of danger

• Public awareness, digital literacy, and family safety planning

• Practical strategies for preventing scam-related harm

  • AI Impersonation Scam Resources

    
    

Time Stamps

00:00 — Why this case highlights the dangers of AI scams
00:29 — Who LoLetha Hall and William Brock were
01:48 — Inside the scam: impersonation and escalation
02:38 — The confrontation and fatal shooting
03:51 — Dashcam footage and police response
04:21 — Fear, perception, and Brock’s mindset
08:38 — AI’s growing role in modern scams
09:07 — Elder vulnerability and education gaps
11:37 — Breaking down Ohio self-defense law
16:24 — Fear, bias, and legal interpretation
19:07 — The impact on LoLetha’s family
20:50 — Community responsibility and awareness
23:18 — Practical scam-prevention tools
25:03 — Final reflections on bias, fear, and accountability

• Understanding Deepfake Technology

• Scam Awareness Tips (AARP)

• Ohio Self-Defense Law Overview

• Social Media & Digital Safety Tips

• Resources & Education

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