NewsWFLA News Channel 8July 31, 2026Hillsborough
Lakeland Police Announce Arrests in 2020 Christmas Eve Shooting
The Lakeland Police Department is holding a news conference to announce arrests related to two homicide cases, including a 2020 Christmas Eve shooting that resulted in one death and three injuries.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The announcement marks a significant development in a cold case involving a fatal shooting that affected four family members in 2020.
Key Facts
- The Lakeland Police Department is announcing arrests in two separate homicide cases.
- One of the cases involves a shooting that occurred on Christmas Eve in 2020.
- The 2020 shooting resulted in the death of a grandmother.
- The 2020 shooting resulted in injuries to three other family members.
Who's Mentioned
personCarlos Morris“Suspect currently being sought by police; charged with attempted first-degree mu”organizationLakeland Police Department“The law enforcement agency investigating the 2020 shooting.”personKeovion Durham“Charged with attempted first-degree murder.”personMaebelle Cooper“Victim of the 2020 shooting.”personJohn Spates“Charged with manslaughter.”personTaqiy Lewis“Indicted with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.”personRalph Lamones III“Involved in the initial robbery incident that preceded the shooting.”personBrian Haas“State Attorney overseeing the prosecution.”personSammy L. Taylor Jr.“Lakeland Police Chief.”personShawanda Lamones“Daughter of the victim and survivor of the shooting.”