TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has released the identities of the individuals involved in the fatal stabbing that occurred Sunday evening at Country Run Park, also announcing charges against the suspected assailant.
The victim of the tragic incident has been identified as Alida M. Simmons, 73.
Authorities have charged Manuel Gonzalez, 70, with Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Weapon and Armed Kidnapping in connection with Ms. Simmons’ death. Gonzalez remains hospitalized due to injuries he sustained during the altercation.
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The incident unfolded at approximately 6:56 p.m. on June 8, 2025, when deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing at the park on Pepperfield Drive.
Preliminary information indicated a dispute between a male and a female, both of whom suffered stab wounds and were transported to a local hospital. The female victim, now identified as Ms. Simmons, tragically succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives are actively continuing their investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses information relevant to the case to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A dispute at Country Run Park on Sunday evening escalated into a fatal stabbing, leaving one woman dead and a man hospitalized, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) reported. The incident, which occurred in a public space frequented by families, prompted a swift and active investigation.
According to HCSO, at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Sunday, multiple 911 calls reported a stabbing at the park, located on Pepperfield Drive. Deputies quickly responded to the scene, where they discovered that a dispute between a male and a female had led to both individuals sustaining stab wounds.
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Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Tragically, the female victim later succumbed to her injuries. The male involved in the incident remains hospitalized at this time.
“This violent incident, in a place meant for families and children, is both disturbing and unacceptable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives are committed to uncovering the full truth behind this tragic incident.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
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