Young Woman from Brooksville Shot and Killed in Tampa

Remembering Breanna Jones

Breanna “Breezy” Lynn Jones was a light to those around her and was all “about bringing others joy,” said her stepmother, Danielle. Tragically, that light went out far too early.

Born on November 8, 2000, the 23-year-old Breanna was shockingly shot and killed in Tampa on May 3. The shooting that occurred on Friday took the lives of the local Brooksvillian and one other. Breanna’s stepmother received the startling news Friday afternoon on her way home from visiting her husband, Chris Jones, who is currently serving time in prison.

According to information provided by Danielle, Breanna was shot at least three times before succumbing to her fatal injuries. The other victim, Fredrick J. Russell, was killed attempting to protect Breanna after an argument broke out. Though the assailant, Whitney Newsome, would initially evade capture, he would be swiftly apprehended by law enforcement later the next morning.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and efficiency demonstrated by our detectives and officers throughout this investigation,” Tampa Police Department Chief Lee Bercaw stated. “Their tireless work, combined with the tips and assistance provided by the community, allowed us to quickly remove a dangerous felon from the streets and bring a sense of closure to the families of the victims.”

The police responded to the report of the shooting at 10:30 in the morning in the 900 block of East 26th Avenue. Officers arrived to find the two victims had suffered gunshot wounds while a third, a black female, had been shot at but not struck.

After interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, they ascertained that the 37-year-old Newsome had been engaged in the argument with Breanna that led to the shooting and that “all parties involved were known to each other.” Officers found the firearm Newsome had used soon thereafter and was charged with two counts of Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was then transported to Orient Road Jail.

In speaking with the Sun, Danielle hoped to celebrate the life of her 23-year-old stepdaughter, who was “a sister to so many.” The “very selfless and loving” Breanna was raised by her grandmother, Kathleen (“Ma’ Kathy”), and aunt, Athena, and she “had a heart of gold.” Danielle got a little choked up as she continued to discuss the “child-like” Breanna. She was only in her early twenties and still had her whole life ahead of her.

The youthful Breanna loved music and hoped to write songs of her own one day. Not only was she kind, but she had a passion for helping people, whether it was cooking for others or even taking care of them. The “kind-eye(d)” Breanna loved her siblings and repaid the favor to the grandmother who raised her. She would often stay up “around the clock” to care for Ma’ Kathy, who was sickly and suffered from COPD.

She is survived by several brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, as well as her father, Chris, and mother, Candice Owenby. Chris loves and misses his daughter dearly, and he invites everyone in the community to attend any services held by the family in honor of Breanna. The remembrances will be hosted at Brewer’s Funeral Home and the Brooksville Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. The family also asks for and appreciates prayers during this difficult time.

“Breanna will be missed tremendously by everyone in her family as well as her friends,” Chris said. “She was a humorous girl with a kind heart who was lost too early to the ugliness and violence of this world. Breanna’s memory will forever be carried by all who knew her deep within their hearts. Everyone is asked to celebrate her life in such a way that reflects her spirit, which was wild and free, like the beauty of God’s own creativity on the canvas of the skies, where He leaves His art at every sunrise and sunset. Fly free Breezy with the wings of an Angel.”

The Sun will continue to monitor this case and the Tampa Police Department’s investigation into the matter. For more information, a further detailed report can be found on the Tampa.gov website.