A couple from Tampa, Florida, were celebrating a $3,000 jackpot casino win at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (pictured), only to have their monthly date night end in violence.
After driving the 14 miles home from the casino still discussing their lucky win, the couple was accosted by two masked gunmen, who demanded they hand over the casino winnings.
The attack was caught by Ring doorbell footage outside the couple’s home in Hillsborough County. It showed Richard Delacruz being shot once in each leg in front of his horrified girlfriend, Kim Chambliss.
The thieves made off with personal items and the $3,000 in cash. Local Sheriff’s deputies provided first aid before an ambulance arrived, saving Delacruz’s life. Chambliss was also injured.
Days after the August 1 incident, police arrested Marcus Jenkins and Tristan Wright in connection with the crime. This week, they released details on the case, as well the mugshots of the two suspects. The pair are facing attempted murder charges, as well as robbery and offensive weapon counts.
The Win
For Delacruz and Chambliss, the night started out like any other monthly date night. Chambliss explained to Fox13 Tampa Bay that the couple look forward to their monthly date.
“We don’t get to do it often, just because we both work extremely hard,” she said.
The couple went for dinner and drinks, before Delacruz suggested a few dollars on the slots might be a fun way to try and win back dinner money. That worked out better than he might have hoped when the couple hit a $3,000 win.
“I hit and I got a jackpot. And, you know, I was dancing,” said Delacruz.
The pair decided to cash out, and headed home excitedly discussing their stroke of luck. However, little did they know, the whole time, they were being followed.
The Violence
The couple parked, got out of their car, and were immediately ambushed by the two gunmen. They fired three shots, striking Delacruz twice and grazing Chambliss.
The robbers followed Delacruz as he crawled up the driveway, pointing their gun at his head and demanding money. The bandits eventually made away with Delacruz’s watch, Chambliss’ purse, and some assorted jewelry.
Police say the two suspects had watched the couple for two hours at the casino, and then followed them all the way to their residence.
The Consequences
As well as losing their money and going through a traumatic experience, the couple are now facing hefty medical bills.
Doctors say it could be six months of recovery, including physical therapy, before Delacruz can walk again. They couple also say they now feel less secure and safe in the neighborhood, and may consider moving once Delacruz is back on his feet.
He also runs his own business, for which he has been struggling to work in his condition. The couple have set up a fundraiser for their medical bills.
“We’ve always felt safe in our home. Safe in the neighborhood. To have that taken away, to have just such an insecure feeling,” said Chambliss.
Meanwhile, suspects Jenkins and Wright remain in jail awaiting their first court appearance. The sentence for attempted murder charges in Florida goes up to life imprisonment.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
