A Florida man was arrested after allegedly shooting his girlfriend, Starmicheal Latrice Tucker, seven times and running her over twice in a tragic incident on January 2. Tucker, 30, was a senior airman in the United States Air Force and a mother.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene in the 9000 block of Baldridge Avenue, where they found Tucker suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities confirmed that she had also been hit by a vehicle “at least twice.” Tucker was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
The suspect, Charles Carson-Dowdy, 30, fled the scene in Tucker’s Jeep Cherokee and crossed into Alabama. He was detained after the vehicle suffered a puncture near Spanish Fort. Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff told WKRG News 5“The victim was shot at least seven times by her boyfriend and was then run over at least twice.”
Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber added that Carson-Dowdy had called roadside assistance to repair the flat tire when he was located. He has since been charged with murder.
Tucker’s sister, Dominique, released a heartfelt statement saying, “I still have no words for the pain and heartbreak I am experiencing over the loss of my sister, best friend, mentor and soulmate. She had the kindest heart and carried everyone on her back even when she was very tired. “His fight and love for everyone is something I will always cherish and embody.”
Friends and loved ones have also taken to social media to honor Tucker’s memory. A friend wrote: “It makes me very sad that someone decided to separate you from us so soon. You didn’t deserve it at all. “You were such a beautiful person inside and out.”
Another friend shared, “We were supposed to go to lunch after church soon. There are so many things I want to say, but I know I won’t let him get the glory of being shared! “You deserved MUCH BETTER.”
Tucker, who was about to finish nursing school, was remembered as a caring and resilient person who touched the lives of many people. The investigation into her death continues, as her community mourns the loss of a devoted mother, friend and aviator.