Deputy-Involved Shooting in Tampa: Tragic Turn in Domestic Violence Case

7500 Carlton Circle, Tampa, FL, USA - The sun had barely risen over Tampa on the morning of May 25th, 2025, yet the 7500 block of Carolton Circle was already witnessing chaos. As the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a burglary call, deputies found themselves embroiled in a domestic crisis that would end tragically. Initial reports from West Orlando News indicate that deputies were alerted to the scene after receiving information about an individual who had been shot.

Upon their arrival shortly after 4:41 AM, deputies issued commands for anyone inside the home to exit. A roommate and a young child complied, but the investigation quickly took a grim turn. Inside, they found an adult female, suffering from a gunshot wound to her hand, identified later as the daughter of the woman responsible for the violence. The scene escalated when deputies learned that Rosamond Brookins, 46, had barricaded herself in a locked bedroom armed with a handgun.

A Deadly Confrontation

As the deputies sought to bring the situation under control, they attempted multiple verbal commands to persuade Brookins to surrender her weapon, a call that went unheeded. With heightened tension, the deputies forced entry into the bedroom, only to find Brookins pointing her gun at them. In what was described as a split-second decision, Deputy Joshua Thomas, who had been with HCSO for just ten months, fired multiple shots, resulting in the death of Brookins at the scene. There’s something to be said for the weight of such moments — a tragic end to what had spiraled from a potential burglary to a fatal confrontation.

Deputy Thomas has since been placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an investigation into the incident. Fortunately, the daughter, although injured, is reported to be in stable condition, recovering from her gunshot wound.

Understanding Domestic Violence Context

This shooting incident not only raises questions about police involvement in domestic violence situations but also sheds light on a broader issue faced by many across the country. Evidence suggests a concerning link between law enforcement interventions and intimate partner violence. According to data from the Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review, a study from 2016 revealed that 13.9% of fatal police shootings in 17 states were connected to such cases.

In this instance, prior to the deputies‘ arrival, Brookins reportedly shot her daughter, an act that exemplifies the shocking nature of domestic violence situations. Relationships that turn violent create complexities that law enforcement must navigate carefully. Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the tragic nature of the event and reiterated the urgency of addressing domestic violence proactively before it escalates to such harmful outcomes.

As the investigation continues, our community must reflect on the pervasive issues of domestic violence and the consequences of police intervention. These tragic events should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to seek help and support those in distress.

Only by addressing the root causes can we hope to prevent such turmoil in the future. The people of Tampa, and indeed all of Florida, deserve safety and an end to such heartbreaking incidents.