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Tampa Man Strangles Roommate Over Cigarettes, Police Say

News Channel 8 photo by KATE CALDWELL

Officers are on the scene at the Eden Apartments, 3712 W. Cass St., Unit 25.

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune
and JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

Updated: 12/09/2008 03:31 pm

Billy Schderrell Locke Jr.

Rick Lamar Ming

TAMPA - A man accused today of strangling his roommate during an argument over cigarettes was arrested last month after another argument between them turned violent, police said.

Tampa police charged Billy Locke Jr., 30, with felony second-degree murder in the death of Rick Lamar Ming, 43, earlier today. Locke was held without bail at the Orient Road Jail.

Public records show police arrested Locke last month on a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation for another dispute involving Ming. The resolution of that case was pending.

Police responded to the apartment the men shared at 3712 W. Cass St. about 5:50 a.m. today after one of the men called 911. The two had been arguing because one wanted the other to leave, police said.

Because both men were on the Eden Apartments lease, and there were no signs of physical injuries, no one was arrested, police said.

About 8 a.m., Locke called 911 to report that he thought his roommate was dead, police said. He told officers he had put Ming into a chokehold during an argument over cigarettes, according to police.

Police charged Locke on Nov. 13 with felony domestic battery by strangulation after Ming said Locke choked him during an argument over money, a report states.

Locke was released on his own recognizance the following day and ordered to have no contact with Ming, online court records show.

Reporter Josh Poltilove contributed to this report. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

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