TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is actively investigating a deputy-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 46-year-old woman, Rosamond Brookins, in Tampa early Sunday morning. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has released body-camera footage of the incident, which occurred during a response to a reported burglary and shooting.
The events unfolded on May 25, 2025, at approximately 4:41 a.m., when HCSO’s Communications Center received a call regarding a possible burglary in progress with an individual shot on the 7500 block of Carolton Circle.
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Upon arrival, deputies employed extensive measures, including repeated verbal commands for anyone inside the residence to exit. A roommate and a young child subsequently emerged from the home and were moved to safety. Deputies then entered the residence and located an adult female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to her hand. She was rescued while another team of deputies began searching for her mother, Brookins, who had been identified as the suspect in the initial shooting.
According to HCSO reports, deputies encountered a locked bedroom door. Despite multiple commands to open the door, there was no response. Deputies then forced entry into the room and observed Brookins lying on the floor with a gun in her hand.
HCSO states that multiple commands were given for Brookins to drop her weapon. When she allegedly did not comply, one deputy, identified as Joshua Thomas, fired multiple shots at Brookins at approximately 4:55 a.m. Brookins was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Deputy Joshua Thomas has been with HCSO for 10 months and has six years of prior service with the Temple Terrace Police Department. HCSO has stated that he has no prior use of force incidents. In accordance with standard procedure, Deputy Thomas has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the FDLE investigation.
Body-camera footage from the incident has been released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
WATCH: (Viewers should be advised that such footage is graphic and disturbing.)
Sheriff Chad Chronister addressed the incident, stating, “This is a tragic situation that no family should ever have to endure. Our deputies acted swiftly to protect the lives of a woman and child in immediate danger. Domestic violence can escalate in an instant—if you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and there is support available.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will now lead the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting.
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