Women Identified in Largo Hotel Shooting Incident

The Largo Police Department released the names of the women involved in a Nov. 12 shooting incident at a hotel on Ulmerton Road.

Largo Police continue to investigate a hotel shooting in which one woman was killed and another was critically wounded Nov. 12. Police have identified the woman who was found dead at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel as Lindsey Alexandria Castaneda, 27, of St Petersburg. Bethany June Dunlop, 26, of Largo, was also found shot at the hotel and remains in critical condition at a local hospital, police report. Officers were called to the Ulmerton Road hotel shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday after employees reportedly found Castaneda dead in her room and Dunlop in critical need of medical attention, Lt. Mike Loux said in a media release. She was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.  Detectives are still investigating to determine…

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One Woman Dead, Another Injured in Largo Hotel Shooting

Largo Police are investigating the incident, which they say may be a homicide and attempted suicide.

Largo Police are investigating a hotel shooting in which one woman was killed and another was critically wounded in a possible homicide and attempted suicide. Officers were called to the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, 6550 Ulmerton Rd., shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday after employees reportedly found one woman dead in her room and another shot and in critical need of medical attention, Lt. Mike Loux said in a media release. She was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. The employees had gone to check the room because the female couple that had been staying there was due to check out Monday, authorities said. "At this time, it preliminarily appears that one female may have shot the other and then attempted a failed suicide…

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Homicide Detective Honored for Solving Cold Case

The governor recognized a Pinellas County Sheriff's detective for solving a 2006 homicide in Largo.

Detective John T. Spoor was honored by Gov. Rick Scott and his Cabinet at a special ceremony in Tallahassee on April 25. Spoor was recognized for going the extra mile to bring peace of mind to the victim's family and to hold a suspect accountable for his crime. The ceremony was part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 22-28). Spoor was nominated for this honor for his work in connection with a 2006 cold case homicide. The shooting On October 29, 2006, Hoeschele Bernard Thomas, 48, was shot and gravely wounded just after 1:00 a.m. in front of a residence located at 11706 126th Terrace in Largo. He later died. Sheriff's deputies and detectives responded, the crime scene was processed and evidence gathered, but the case eventually …

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Detectives Charge Suspect in Largo Homicide Cold Case

The cold case of Hoeschele Thomas’ murder was closed with persistence and good old fashion police work.

Lloyd A. Neal, 22, the primary suspect in the 2006 murder of Hoeschele Thomas, was arrested after detectives revisited the cold case. On Nov. 18 detectives gave the Thomas family closure when they issued an arrest warrant for Neal who is charged with second-degree murder. Neal is currently serving a life sentence at Taylor Correctional Institution in Perry, FL on an unrelated 2007 Clearwater Police Department murder case. Detectives Piece Together Clues to Identify Suspect On Oct. 29, 2006 Thomas was fatally shot outside a residence, 12790 118th St N in Largo. According to detectives, Thomas was walking home when he was approached by some unknown suspects who tried to sell him drugs. When Thomas refused, they engaged in a verbal argument, …

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Locals Speak at Missing Police Cadet's Fundraiser

Supporters who attended Saturday's fundraiser for missing police cadet Kelly Rothwell ask for answers.

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