Prosecutors Seek Death for Tampa Cop Killer
Updates in the case this week included Morris' not-guilty plea, the charging of his accomplice who is trying to retrieve her vehicle from forfeiture, and the FBI's $20,000 reward for the murder weapon.
The man accused of killing two Tampa police officers will face the death penalty, and his accomplice has also been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Dontae Morris, shot and killed Tampa PD officers Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis on June 29, after the officers attempted to take him into custody on an outstanding warrant.
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Dontae Morris, who is a suspect in three additional homicides.
The driver of the vehicle pulled over by the two officers, 22-year-old Cortnee Brantley, was faces the charge of "misprison of felony," a felony for concealing Morris' status as a felon posessing a firearm, ABC News reports.
Brantley, under house arrest awaiting trial, is appealing Tampa PD's seizure of her white Toyota that carried her and Morris on the day of the shooting. The department has filed an asset forfeiture civil suit to confiscate the now-impounded vehicle.
Also, the FBI has offered a $20,000 reward for the recovery of the handgun Morris used to kill the two officers. The gun is suspected of being used in at least one of the other murders. Morris, who has been charged in two of the other three, has pleaded not guilty.
More Patrol

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
