Southpinellas: Drugs seen as root of slaying

ST. PETERSBURG - A 21-year-old man who had recently been released from prison was shot and killed Sunday night in what police say was a drug-related incident, becoming the city's first homicide victim of the year.

Police say Mario Tomlinson was shot multiple times inside his home at 3521 21st Ave. S.

Tomlinson has a lengthy criminal record, and was released from prison in March 2006 after serving 15 months on charges such as fleeing officers, cocaine sale and cocaine possession.

Sgt. Mike Kovacsev, the head of the department's homicide unit, said large amounts of drugs and weapons were found inside Tomlinson's home.

Family members could not be reached for comment. Police are still investigating.

Kovacsev said Tomlinson used to associate with drug dealers in front of the notorious Lemon house at 3427 17th Ave. S in Childs Park.

In November 2006, Eric Lemon was indicted on federal charges of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine.

Law enforcement authorities said Lemon was the leader of the largest illegal drug distribution ring in Childs Park.

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Comments on this article

by tierra	02/01/08 11:58 AM
you people dont no what you are talking bout when somebody dies in your family you will feel vthe same sorrow but anyways i loved my cousin he was my oldest cousin at that im going to miss him.

by family	01/23/08 10:35 PM
sorry ashley that was for kim

by family	01/23/08 08:26 AM
to mary & roger & any others like u God forbid this happens to your child when they grow up .what we dont need is three million more jerks like you. instead of keeping your child in the house take them to church and teach them how to pray for people.

by mane	01/22/08 07:24 PM
let he who is without sin cast the first stone. My pastor preached a message sunday night pertaining to stone throwing. Instead of making negative comments just thank God you was not caught up in your mess.

by Dave	01/22/08 05:51 PM
Meanwhile the city is condoning the activities of the thugs that killed him. Witness last night's "after party" on MLK- nothing but drug dealers in $100k new Mercedes breaking laws conspicuously in front of cops and showing off their loot. Disgrace!

by Brittany	01/22/08 03:29 PM
I did not not this individual, but I feel like this story talked more about his record and the bad things he has done. The article was just made into a drug article. Not thinking that there was a life lost and there is a family grieving.

by Kim	01/22/08 03:09 PM
I dont care what color you are I'm sick of paying for people who do not care about their lives and the lives of others. The black comm. needs to get it together concerning drugs parenting, etc.. oh and I am black, and have kids big ups to Bill Cosby

by Ashley	01/22/08 02:12 PM
You are writing an article on a homicide but what does Eric Lemon and his address have to do with the story he is locked up! Who cares who he was associated with FIND HIS KILLER!

by teresa	01/22/08 02:03 PM
i cant belive that some people can be so stupid mabe you havent had a love one to die show respect iknew this child from the start sweet person would never hurt anyone trust that god knows all be careful of what you say .god has the last word

by Mr. Sarcastic	01/22/08 01:36 PM
That's a shame.

by citizen	01/22/08 12:16 PM
large amounts of drugs and weapons were found inside Tomlinson's home. Of course all law abiding citizens have large amounts of drugs and weapons .....right twurk kyky and shawt ? Call a thug a thug. Betcha his parents are so proud.

by twurk	01/22/08 11:03 AM
sendin luv to him and his family keep your heads up and to these peolpe leavin these comments let this happen to some one you know see what you got 2 say then.no one deserves this godbless u rio much love

by joru	01/22/08 10:42 AM
Tell it like it is! The black community has too many grown up men with adolescent minds.

by kyky	01/22/08 10:14 AM
i just want 2 give all my love and wishes out 2 mario family.He was not a criminal nor a bad person so they can keep they negative comments 2 themselves because no 1 is perfect.nothing like this suppose 2 happen 2 anyone.my luv is goin out 2 his fam.

by John	01/22/08 09:40 AM
I love it!! Lets get the same thing to happen about 3 million more times across the country and maybe then I wont have to worry about my son playing outside. These people are savages and deserve to live and die as savages

by mary	01/22/08 09:02 AM
kids stray off course more because of economic reasons than for what they are or are not taught in schools. this was someones son....i could of been yours.

by shawt	01/22/08 08:53 AM
Roger, How rude of you. Please show some respect for the family members that may read this article. How would you feel if you were to lose a love one. I will pray for you.

by will	01/22/08 07:48 AM
seems kids at twenty or so yrs of age are nothin more than theives, drug addicts, rapist,and full of lawlessness.the best yrs of there life and look what they decide to do with it,,go figure,,,high school can teach math ,but not life studies,,,

by Tammy	01/22/08 07:30 AM
I would rather pay for incarceration instead of having young murdered. It's not like you're going to get the money back if no one is sent to prison.

by ROGER	01/22/08 01:36 AM
NOW THE TAXPAYERS WONT HAVE TO PAY THE EXPENSE OF INCARCERATING HIM. HE WAS OBVIOUSLY A CAREER CRIMINAL.

Drugs seen as root of slaying

Large amounts of drugs and weapons are found inside the victim's home.