Hillsborough deputies are looking for the shooter.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A Tampa man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that happened during a drug deal, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Ecru Richardson, 21, of Tampa, died at a hospital where he was taken after the shooting.

Daundrea Lamar Butler, 23, was charged with third degree murder, or murder not premeditated that was committed during another felony.

Deputies received a call of shots fired at 13237 Stone Fountain Drive, inside the Oaks Apts. in North Tampa about 8:46 a.m. Thursday (Dec. 7). A second call was received from Butler who said his friend, Mr. Richardson, had been shot and he was driving him to the hospital.

During the course of the investigation, Butler admitted that he drove Mr. Richardson to the Oaks Apts. but denied knowing the reason for the trip. However, deputies said they learned that Butler’s vehicle was seen driving into the complex, driving to the rear of the complex, then parking near the front entrance. About 20 minutes after the vehicle was parked, Mr. Richardson came running back to the car. the car then left the complex.

Further investigation revealed that Butler and Mr. Richardson drove to the Oaks to meet someone for a drug transaction. During that transaction, Mr. Richardson was shot outside an apartment by while Butler waited in the car.

Deputies are continuing to investigate the incident. They are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact the Hillsborough sheriff’s office at (813) 247-8200.

For information about the Hillsborough sheriff, go to hcso.tampa.fl.us.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Murder | Felony Murder | Third Degree Murder | Ecru Richardson | Arrests | Tampabay News

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