TAMPA, FL — What began as a dream-come-true for one Tampa couple quickly turned into a nightmare. In an unbelievable twist of fate, a pair of local lovebirds hit the jackpot at a Tampa casino last weekend, only to be followed, robbed, and shot shortly after leaving the venue.
The couple, whose names are being withheld for privacy, were enjoying a night out at the Hard Rock Casino when fortune smiled upon them. Witnesses say the couple erupted in joy after winning a staggering $500,000 on a slot machine, drawing the attention of other casino-goers.
However, what seemed like the luckiest night of their lives took a dark turn when the couple left the casino. Unbeknownst to them, they were being followed by a group of individuals who had apparently seen their big win and decided to capitalize on their windfall in the most violent way possible.
According to police reports, the couple was followed for several miles before being ambushed in a quiet residential neighborhood. The assailants, reportedly armed and dangerous, demanded the couple hand over their winnings. Despite complying with the robbers’ demands, the situation escalated, and the suspects opened fire, leaving the couple critically injured.
Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently recovering from their injuries. While their condition is listed as stable, the physical and emotional scars from the harrowing ordeal are expected to last much longer.
Tampa Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward. They believe the suspects may have been frequenting the casino that night and are combing through surveillance footage for clues.
The shocking incident has sent waves of fear through the local community, with many questioning the safety of even visiting the city’s popular entertainment spots. What should have been a night of celebration turned into a cautionary tale about the darker side of instant wealth.
In a town known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling casinos, this violent robbery serves as a grim reminder that sometimes, fortune’s favor comes at a heavy price. The Tampa couple, now grappling with the trauma of their ordeal, are left to wonder how a night that started with such joy could end in such tragedy.
Stay tuned as this story develops and Tampa Police continue their search for the dangerous criminals who turned this couple’s jackpot into a nightmare.
Couple attacked after casino win
As the couple arrived home, doorbell footage allegedly showed Jenkins shooting at them. The woman was shot in the leg, while the man was shot in the right thigh and left knee.
One of the attackers quickly covered up the doorbell camera, while the other shouted at the victim to hand over his watch. According to court filings, Jenkins and Wright allegedly fled with the man’s watch and the woman’s purse.
Deputies reviewed casino surveillance, which allegedly showed Jenkins looking at his phone as the couple walked back from the parking lot. He was later seen getting into the Hyundai Sonata that had been following the victims and heading toward their Riverview residence. Investigators said a third unknown person was behind the wheel.
Shocking Video Captures Doorbell Shooting
Doorbell footage shows the chilling moment a couple was attacked and shot outside their home after celebrating a big casino win.
Kim Chambliss and her boyfriend, Val Delacruz, were enjoying their monthly date night on August 1 when the tragedy struck.
WARNING: This video contains graphic scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers.
After a nice dinner, Val decided to try his luck on the slot machines at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Hoping to get back the money he spent on dinner and drinks, luck was on his side.
“We both work so hard that we don’t get a chance to go out,” Chambliss told Fox 13.
“I hit the jackpot, and I was dancing,” Delacruz said with a smile.
Rather than continue to gamble, Delacruz pocketed $3,000 in cash — more than he spent that evening.
Suspects identified after brutal robbery
A man and woman were chased, robbed and shot after winning a casino jackpot at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.
The crime occurred on Aug. 2 after the couple hit a big win on a slot machine, according to NBC affiliate WFLA. The suspects — Marcus Jenkins, 34, and Tristin Wright, 36 — allegedly followed them to their home in Riverside, about 13 miles southeast of Tampa.
Doorbell footage shows the couple arriving before Jenkins was shot. The woman was shot in the ankle, and the man was shot in the thigh and knee. The suspects then demanded valuables, took the man’s watch and the woman’s purse, and fled the scene, WFLA reported.
