TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Ex-Boyfriend Kills Woman's New Beau, Tampa Police Say
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: May 15, 2008
TAMPA - A South Tampa woman was sleeping early Wednesday morning when she heard someone trying to get into her bedroom. She thought it was her son waking up in the middle of the night, so she got up and opened the door.
It wasn't her child. It was Anthony Darrell Papp, her ex-boyfriend, and he came in and fatally stabbed her boyfriend, she said.
Officers arrested Papp, 34, after he called police and told them he was hiding in a field in the northeast corner of Manhattan Avenue and Interbay Boulevard. They say he killed Christopher W. Brough, 35, in the Gardens at South Bay, 6720 S. Lois Ave., Apt. 4208, about 1:45 a.m.
Papp, of 3601 W. Bay St., was charged with first-degree murder and armed burglary with intent to commit battery. He is in Orient Road Jail and bail has not been set. Police say he told them he broke into the home and killed Brough.
Papp's ex-girlfriend, Waleska Rivera, said Papp had threatened her and Brough recently.
He told her to watch over her shoulder, she said.
"One time he said, 'I'm never going to hurt you because I love you so much, but I don't know about him,'" she said.
But Rivera said she thought he was just sad and upset about being an ex-boyfriend.
"I didn't think he would do anything stupid," she said.
Rivera said Papp is a wonderful person who never has been violent before, but she also said he has issues with drinking. They were together for nine years, she said.
Rivera and Papp have two children together, 7-year-old Anthony E. Papp and 18-month-old Angela K. Papp, court records show.
Papp likely came in her home Wednesday using a spare key she was unaware he had, Rivera said.
When she opened her bedroom door and saw Papp, she said he didn't say anything to her.
"I tried to push him away," she said. "I tried to close the door."
He had a knife and cut two fingers on her left hand, she said. She got away and thought Brough had, too.
"I started yelling at Chris to come out, come out because he's gone," Rivera said. "Chris was laying on the floor face down and there was a lot of blood everywhere."
Brough was a good man and had three children of his own, Rivera said.
Papp "didn't like the idea of me dating him because he knew that Chris was a good guy and could make me happy," she said.
Police used canine units and a helicopter in the search for Papp. He called police to turn himself in.
"She's a beautiful person, inside and out," said Amie Schwartz, Rivera's former co-worker. "I don't know how anybody could do this to her."
News Channel 8 reporter Chip Osowski contributed this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)
* Keep it clean
* Respect others
* Don't hate
* Don't use language you wouldn't use with your mom
* Use "Report Inappropriate Comments" link when necessary
* See Member Agreement for details
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
Reader Comments
Posted by ( Nightbiker ) on May 15, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I love it! "is a wonderful person who never has been violent before, but she also said he has issues with drinking."
Yes, so wonderful that you spent 9 yrs with him, then decided someone else was better. "issues with drinking" ? doesn't sound so wonderful to me. Quit defending the guy.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( oldaf ) on May 15, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Never been violent before! How about his arrest for battery on a pregnant woman 2 years ago. Must have been her before the youngest child was born.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( LordVapor ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a childhood friend of the man that this POS killed. He grew up in Indiana, and he was a good man. good father, and also a hard worker. I hope that this drunk POS gets the Death Sentence.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( LuckyLuke ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here is another candidate we can lower into a Cresswood HF-70A.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( prof2007 ) on May 15, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am disturbed that this murderer would be described as a "wonderful person". He is a killer--he took the life of someone who was a father, son, brother, grandson, and friend. For those of us who knew Chris from the time he was a baby, reading about the killer being described as this "wonderful person" is a bit hard to take. There were obviously some MAJOR warning signs that Mr. Papp had some SERIOUS issues. To set the record straight-- Chris is the wonderful person, and I pray that he is at peace.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Hobbes ) on May 15, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I grew up with Chris. What disturbs me is that the co-victim described the killer who just killed her boyfriend as "a wonderful person". I wonder if there is more to this story?
At any rate, may "Broughie" rest in peace. I remember playing pickup basketball games with him many times during high school. I can't believe he is gone. I pray for his former wife and mother of his children too.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Lisacamp ) on May 15, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
You know I agree with the first 3 comments, How good can a guy be that stabs a sleeping man. Chris had no chance to defend himself and I believe the killer should get the same--no chance. R.I.P Chris from all of us at the Angle who loved you for the person you were--A REALLY GOOD MAN.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( april_k ) on May 15, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
R.I.P. My friend ill always remember you and how funny you were and your love for your girls!As for Papp being a wonderful man thats BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( trosper13 ) on May 15, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm disturbed by the comments of Rivera when refering to her ex-boyfriend. I did'nt know either one of them, but I knew Chris since childhood. What a great guy he was! Many good times in the big Oaktown playin ball and fishing with him. I will pray for Chris's 3 girls and all of his family during this tough time. WHAT A TRAGEDY!!
I also pray that Mr. Papp is served the correct sentence for this horrific crime he has committed. This was cowardly! I feel terrible for all the children and family members on both sides for their losses. R.I.P C.B.---
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( firefly1979 ) on May 16, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a relative of Chris I cannot even comprehend how someone could do this to such a GREAT GUY!!! I hope and Pray that this POS loser gets death. Last I heard Florida has the electric chair. Let this garbage FRY!!!!!!! I am so angry to hear the woman say that Papp was a good guy. If that were the case why was she with Chris. I think there is a lot more to the story that she is hiding and I hope she will come forward with the truth SOON before it is too late for her immortal soul. God does not look kindly on liars.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Waleska ) on May 18, 2008 at 2:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is Waleska...and for everyone that have the wrong thoughs about me,I meant that he used to be a good man a long time ago and i didnt think that he would do such a thing especialy with his kids in the house.Chris and i had a wonderful relationship,he was the best of the best and we were very happy together,he used to tell me every day and night how much he loved me,that i put a smile on his face everyday.He was always happy and made me very happy.The last words that came out of him that night as we were falling a sleep were "I LOVE U VERY MUCH DON'T EVER FORGET THAT,HAVE I TOLD U ENOUGH?BECAUSE I DONT GET TIRED OF TELLING U HOW MUCH I LOVE U, U DONT UNDERSTAND" I TOLD HIM THAT I LOVE HIM AS MUCH OR 10 TIMES MORE.I never meant for this to happen my kid is affected by it because he saw to much that night.Im very affected too,i got to see the worst, i miss him very much!!! We had future plans.I am so sorry...i know he had kids and i know how much he loved his girls he wanted to bring them down for the summer.it hurts that people that didn't know about how much we loved eachother talk like that and how happy we were.And i want justice as well like everyone else.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( EdAnn ) on May 19, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is for Waleska. This is Chris' best friend's wife in Indiana. We would like to speak with you soon. My husband used to speak to Chris on a regular basis since he moved away to Florida. We just saw him in March for Spring Break. Our son calls him " Uncle Chris". And my husband calls him his best friend and his brother that he never had.
This is all quite a shock to us as we really didn't know Chris was this serious with you or anyone for that matter. But he has left behind three beautiful girls that are going to miss their daddy very much. I am sure that any child that was immediately invovled or witnessed such trauma would be affected.
I have several questions but one especially is If PAPP was threatening you or both of you why didn't you let the law know or file a restraining order on him? OR leave and go elsewhere. And how did this joker have a key to your appartment? If he was an " Ex-boyfriend"
I will say that This doesn't sound like anything the Chris we know would ever have gotten involved with. Any answers would be appreciated.
As for " Christopher" Our family misses you and we pray for the "Girls" and all family and friends affected by this trageic event.
We know Chris loved his girls and wanted the best for them. He was a hard worker and always there if we needed a helping hand.Looks like our son will have to take over the NIKE trend for Chris. Vacation in Florida won't be the same without him. HUGS and KISSES Rest in peace Chris.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Waleska ) on May 20, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
TO ED AND ANN, HOW CAN I CONTACT U?I DID HEAR A LOT ABOUT U GUYS AND ILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS,YES ME AND CHRIS WERE VERY SERIOUS AND WE SPENDED EVERY DAY TOGETHER SINCE HE GOT HERE,I MISS HIM VERY MUCH AND MY LIFE IS NOT THE SAME WITH OUT HIM,I KNOW THAT WE ONLY WERE TOGETHER FOR 2 MONTHS BUT IT WAS LIKE WE KNEW EACH OTHER FOR EVER WE GOT ALONG SO GREAT AND WHO EVER WAS AROUND US THOSE TIMES AND KNOW US AS A COUPLE KNOW HOW MUCH WE LOVE EACH OTHER BACAUSE I DO LOVE HIM AND HE TALKED A LOT ABOUT U GUYS AND HOW MUCH HE LOVE UR BABY WE HAD PLANS TO GO C U GUYS ON UR VAC TO FL.BUT MAKES ME UPSET THAT PEOPLE THAT NOW SAY THAT WERE HIS FRIEND NEVER CALLED HIM BEFORE TO C HOW HE WAS DOING BUT NOW EVERY ONE WANTS TO TALK,ONLY U GUYS...AND NO ONE OUT THERE KNEW HOW HAPPY WE WERE TOGETHER BUT PEOPLE HERE AND THAT WAS BOTHERING A LOT OF PEOPLE HOW HAPPY WE MADE EACHOTHER,HE NEVER STOP TELLING ME HOW HAPPY HE WAS WITH ME AND HOW MUCH HE LOVE ME.I KNOW HE HAS 3 BEAUTIFUL GIRLS THAT HE LOVE VERY MUCH AND I FEEL HORRIBLE FOR THEM AND I PRAY EVERY DAY FOR THEM... IF I DIDNT HAVE MY BABIES THAT I LOVE SO MUCH AND MAKE BE STRONG AVERY DAY I WOULDNT WANT TO BE HERE...IM GOING CRAZY WITHOUT HIM.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( EdAnn ) on May 20, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Waleska, We just arrived home from Chris's visitation and the Funeral will be tomm on May 21,2008 at 11 am. We can't help but have so many questions. His girls did handle things quite well. And our little guy shed many tear for his Uncle Chris. And of course my husband will never forget him. He is pall bearer in the funeral tomm. It is obvious that he was injured very badly he had many bruises that were obvious to his face. But looked like the NIKE Chris we know. Shades and all with the NIKE hat.
I just have to know why the law didn't get involved before it came to taking chris' life? And why did you leave him alone when this happened? Why did you leave your children? So you could make a phone call?This is very disturbing to me. I sure hope hope that PAPP gets what's coming to him. WE will follow up to see that he does.
This is a very traggic thing for everyone.
I respect that you miss him and that you loved him. But all the details to this disturbing event have things attatch to it that are hard to follow and understand.
apamperedpooch@avenuebroadband.com
Report Inappropriate Comments