120-year Memorial Remembrance For Captain Samuel J. Carter

NEVER FORGOTTEN

TAMPA, FL. (MAY 28, 2025) - - The Tampa Police Department will join the Tampa Police Memorial Committee to honor Captain Samuel J. Carter, 120 years after his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. 

On May 29, 1905, 36-year-old Captain Samuel J. Carter was in charge of the department while Police Chief J.S. Jones vacationed in Washington. Responding to the Seminole Heights home of Mabel Dennis at approximately 9:00 pm, Captain Carter was informed by Ms. Dennis that her stepfather, Phiander Knapp, was hunting her down with a gun. The two went looking for him behind Hillsborough High School, then on Franklin St. Knapp, hiding behind bushes, ambushed and shot Captain Carter from 10 feet away.

Captain Carter was initially taken to a neighbor's house and then moved to his home at 1902 Taliaferro Ave, where he tragically died three days later. Knapp was arrested two hours after the shooting.

To honor his memory and the unwavering commitment of all our fallen heroes, the Tampa Police Department will host a Memorial Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:30 am in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers outside Tampa Police Headquarters.

The ceremony will feature a tribute by the Tampa Police Honor Guard, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Captain Carter and all who serve to protect our community.

The community is invited to join us in remembering Captain Carter and help us ensure he is never forgotten. For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed live at facebook.com/TampaPD.