TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police said one person died after an early Saturday morning shooting in West Tampa.
The victim was later identified as Carson Senfield, 19, by the superintendent of his former high school in Buffalo, N.Y. where he graduated in 2021. Senfield was most recently a student at the University of Tampa (UT).
According to a release, Senfield was with friends on South Howard Avenue and took an Uber to his home on West Arch Street. After getting out of the Uber, he tried to get into a different vehicle that was parked nearby.
The driver did not know Senfield, and since he did not know why he was trying to force his way in, allegedly shot the victim out of self-defense. The driver cited that he feared for his life.
According to TPD, police responded to a call about a person being shot around 1:20 a.m. Saturday morning.
When officers arrived, they found Senfield with a gunshot wound. Officers started first aid, but when Tampa Fire Rescue arrived, Senfield was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said everyone involved in the shooting stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. TPD said that they will not identify the shooter due to Marsy's Law and the circumstances of the situation.
UT sent out a statement regarding the incident on Sunday.
"The UT administration is deeply saddened to report that a UT student was killed early this morning near the intersection of W. Arch and N. Munro streets. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and friends, as well as all who were affected by this incident. The University values all members of the community and mourns this tragic loss."
