Family of Seminole Heights murder victim to personally thank McDonald's manager

TAMPA — Casimar Naiboa is no stranger to the McDonald's restaurant in Ybor City.

"I've eaten there three or four times," he said. "Me and my family like that restaurant."

But tonight, when the family pays a visit to the McDonalds, it won't be for the hamburgers and fries.

They want to thank restaurant manager Delonda Walker, who police say alerted an officer having lunch Tuesday when Howell Emanuel Donaldson III, an employee, handed her a McDonald's bag with a gun inside.

Her tip provided the evidence that led to the arrest of Donaldson, now charged with four counts of first degree murder in the Seminole Heights serial killings.

Naiboa, whose son Anthony, 20, became the third of four victims when he was gunned down Oct. 19, said he and his family want to personally deliver their gratitude to Walker tonight.

"We want to thank the manager for having open eyes," Naiboa said. "Her awareness helps to bring closure to us."

Were it not for Walker's actions, "we could been more devastated," he said. "She took a weight off our minds. This person maybe could have thrown the gun away and left Florida. She was a really big part of helping."

Walker declined to comment, but in a prepared statement said her "thoughts are focused on the victims and their families."

The serial killings began Oct. 9 with the shooting of Benjamin Mitchelll, 22. On Oct. 11, Monica Hoffa, 32, was killed and on Nov. 14, Ronald Felton, 60, was gunned down.

Donaldson is being held without bail on the charges.

After visiting the restaurant, Naiboa said the family is going to head over to the Columbia Restaurant to thank owner Richard Gonzmart, who gave $9,000 to Walker, Then the family will walk over to The Ritz, a club in Ybor City where his son wanted to see a show.

"He was supposed to go there with his sister Karen," said Naiboa. "Anthony can't be there, but we will."

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Contact Howard Altman at haltman@tampabay.com or (813) 225-3112. Follow @haltman.