James Rufus Elswick, aged 57, passed away on July 19, 2018, in Spring Hill, Florida. Born on September 6, 1960, in Virginia, he was the son of Milton E. and Shiley Temple (Whited) Elswick. James is survived by his two sons, James Jr. and Tony, his mother Shirley, his grandson Ezra James, two sisters Patricia and Diane, and his brother Eddie. A memorial service was held on August 11, 2018, at the Full Gospel Assembly of God.
The circumstances surrounding James Rufus Elswick's death were
tragic and violent. On July 19, 2018, Theodore Antonia Parker, aged 59, embarked on a shooting spree that spanned two counties. The first incident occurred in Pasco County, where Parker shot Tonya Haseman, who survived the attack. Parker then drove to Hernando County, where he shot and killed James Rufus Elswick at a residence on Olson Road in Spring Hill. Neighbors reported hearing two loud pops and saw a woman running out, screaming for help. Elswick, described as a kind and hardworking individual, did not survive the shooting.
Following the shooting of Elswick, Parker proceeded to a smoke shop in Spring Hill, where he attempted to rob the store. During the attempted robbery, Parker exchanged gunfire with the store clerk, Richard Webb Jr., resulting in both men being shot. Parker later died from his injuries, while Webb was hospitalized but expected to recover. The motive behind Parker's actions remains unclear, though authorities believe he knew his victims. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the shootings, but no further details on any litigations or law cases related to Elswick's death have been disclosed.
