A Florida grandfather was shot and killed in a brutal road rage incident that unfolded in Riverview, just southeast of Tampa, on Sunday afternoon. Steven Powers, 61, was driving his work van on U.S. 301 around 2:15 p.m. when the confrontation with Kentavious Gholston, 26, escalated.
According to police, Gholston allegedly cut Powers off in traffic, prompting Powers to honk his horn. In response, Gholston brake-checked the van before stopping in the middle of the road. Powers got out of his vehicle to confront Gholston, and when he threw a punch, Gholston quickly overpowered him, knocking him to the ground. Gholston then pulled out a handgun and shot Powers twice in the back. After checking to see if Powers was still alive, Gholston reportedly stated, “I’ve got to finish the job,” before shooting Powers two more times, killing him in what police described as an “execution-style” shooting.
Powers’ adult grandson, who was in the van with him, exited to check on his grandfather. At this point, Gholston reportedly pointed the gun at him but then fled the scene. Gholston abandoned his vehicle and weapon before turning himself in to authorities on Monday afternoon. Though the gun had not been recovered as of Tuesday, surveillance footage allegedly showed Gholston discarding it in a retention pond. Additionally, police recovered a debit card left at the scene, which led to Gholston’s identification and arrest.
Gholston was charged with second-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, and tampering with evidence. He is being held without bond and also faces a domestic battery charge from a separate incident.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his condolences, calling the killing a senseless act of violence. “A Sunday afternoon turned into a nightmare that cost a life,” he said. “This tragedy could have been entirely avoided.” Powers’ family is mourning the loss of a “hard worker” and “loving, caring man,” with his brother, Thomas Powers, and nephew, Larry Davis, both struggling to understand why this happened.
“I just can’t understand why this happened,” Thomas Powers said. “Something so stupid and simple. You took somebody’s life and you ruined yours,” added Larry Davis.
- COVETED COIN: Rare coin ‘breaks world record’ selling for $2.52 million at auction – historic detail that ups its price tag - November 21, 2024
- Trump Stimulus Checks: Will You Receive One in 2024 or 2025? - November 21, 2024
- Social Security checks worth $4,873 automatically going out next week – with just three left this year - November 21, 2024
