A couple has launched a fundraiser after they got and just hours after winning about $3,000 at the
Marcus Jenkins and Tristan Wright, pictured above in mug shots. They allegedly shot and robbed two casino winners. (Image: Hillsborough County Sheriff s via WTVT)The two victims, Kim Chambliss and her boyfriend, Val Delacruz, went out on August 1 for their monthly date night. It started off with dinner and some drinks before they went to try their luck on the casino floor.
“I hit and I got a jackpot,” Delacruz recently told Tampa TV station WTVT.
That night he broke out in a joyful dance. After collecting the payout, they decided to go home. They drove back to their Riverview, Fla. residence.
They didn’t realize two men had been watching them for about two hours at the casino and as they drove the 14 miles back home.
When the couple got out of their car into the driveway, they were allegedly ambushed by two masked, armed robbers.
Shot in LegsAt least three gunshots rang out. Delacruz was wounded in both legs as he pleaded for his life. Chambliss was wounded in her calf. She began to yell for help as she made her way to the front porch. Delacruz crawled up to the porch to protect her.
The robbers continued their violent attack. One even covered a Ring doorbell camera to shield his identity.
Soon, the commotion was heard by a neighbor who came to help. That led the two robbers to flee. The bandits grabbed a watch, assorted jewelry, and a purse before driving off. It’s not clear if they snatched the cash.
The local sheriff’s office was alerted. Hillsborough County Sheriff s deputies quickly arrived and put a tourniquet on Delacruz. He credits them with saving his life.
I lost so much blood, if they didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have made it,” Delacruz said.
Attempted MurderDeputies later arrested two suspects in the case, Marcus Jenkins and Tristan Wright.
Jenkins was charged with attempted first-degree murder and other counts. Wright was charged with principal to attempted murder and other crimes. A third suspect is being sought.
If convicted on an attempted murder count, both defendants could face prison sentences.
The violence is still fresh in the victims’ memories.
Chambliss recalled how she heard gunfire. “I hear another gunshot and my first thought was they ve killed him. I was hysterical, I screamed and cried.”
“I ran and I fell in the door and the other guy came out and shot me again for the third time in my left leg,” Delacruz added.
“I’m normally aware of my surroundings or would notice if someone was following me. But that night, we were in deep conversation,” Delacruz remembered.
Now, he has painful injuries and it’s hard for him to sleep. He must use a walker and one of his legs is in a cast. He can’t walk and healing may take six months or more.
Self-employed, he’s been unable to work. They organized a fundraiser. As of Wednesday, $3,360 was raised. The goal is $10K. The money will help with medical costs and other bills which have led to a “financial crisis.”
