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Tampa Man Strangles Roommate Over Cigarettes, Police Say

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune
and RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

TAMPA - Because of two strokes he suffered years ago, Rick Lamar Ming had a hard time moving the left side of his body, his sister Felicia Acosta said.

So Ming's roommate, Billy Locke Jr., would cook TV dinners for him and help shop for groceries, Acosta said.

The roommates' friendship apparently turned sour Tuesday morning, when Ming was found dead inside the unit the men shared at Eden Apartments, the Tampa Police Department said.

Locke, 30, was arrested and charged with felony second-degree murder in Ming's death. Locke told officers he had put Ming into a chokehold during an argument over cigarettes, police said.

Locke was being held Tuesday without bail at Orient Road Jail.

"He was defenseless," Acosta said about her brother. "He walks slow. He definitely couldn't run. The only thing he could probably do is reach for the phone."

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.

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 is pending.

Locke was charged 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.

Ming told officers he and Locke had a romantic relationship, according to police reports of the Nov. 13 incident. Locke denied they were a couple, the report said.

Acosta said Ming and Locke were just friends and have been so for five years.

Ming, 43, was a giving person who was outspoken and cheerful. Ming never let his physical limitations bring him down, Acosta said.

Instead of celebrating her 21st wedding anniversary Tuesday, Acosta, 51, said she is mourning the loss of her brother.

"Now I have to dress for a funeral," she said.

Reporter Josh Poltilove contributed to this report. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800. Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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