TAMPA, FL – Police in Tampa say a man is facing two murder charges after a cellphone video allegedly captured him shooting and killing two people early Friday morning.
Officers responded to the scene after reports of gunfire and discovered a man lying on the ground and a woman slumped halfway out of a white pickup truck. Both victims were pronounced dead at the site. Investigators declined to immediately identify the victims as they worked to notify family members.
According to detectives, the key break in the case came when officers found a mobile phone near the woman’s body. The device was still capturing video, which police say recorded the moments leading up to and including the shooting.
The footage reportedly shows a man, later identified as 59-year-old Louis Jules, standing near the rear passenger door of the pickup. Authorities say the man searched through the vehicle while holding a set of keys and a cup. In the recording, the male victim is heard confronting Jules, telling him he cannot enter the car. The woman also told him not to search the vehicle.
At that point, the video shows Jules throwing the contents of his cup at the man, before reaching for a handgun, according to police. He then appears to chamber a round, point the weapon, and fire. The woman’s screams can be heard as more gunshots followed, causing the recording to shake as she tried to escape. Police say Jules can then be seen closing the vehicle’s door and walking away.
Witness identifications from Jules’ neighbors and landlord further helped authorities confirm his identity. Officers located Jules later that day, reportedly at another residence, where he was found with a red pickup truck registered in his name. Police allege that as they approached, Jules attempted to dispose of a black semi-automatic pistol in the truck’s bed.
Following his arrest, officers say Jules admitted to being present during the incident and acknowledged knowing both victims. According to police, he told them there had been a dispute regarding money the victims allegedly owed him for a vehicle purchase, which led to prior arguments. On the day of the shooting, Jules believed the victims were coming to repay him and got into their truck, expecting to go to an ATM. But when told to get out of the vehicle, Jules reportedly said he became angry.
Investigators say that when shown the video evidence, Jules identified himself as the person in the recording. He was taken into custody and is now being held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.
Jules faces two counts of first-degree murder and an additional charge of tampering with evidence, according to police. A preliminary hearing in his case is set for October 9.