Three men killed in Brandon

BRANDON - Three men were killed early today in what investigators say was a violent, possibly gang-related attack.

"There's no doubt that these deaths are murders. There's no question about that," said Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee.

Gee said a deputy arrived to the Oakwood Avenue home around midnight, responding to a 911 call warning of gunshots.

One body was found in the backyard, two others were in a modified utility shed. The shed had been outfitted with a television and a video game console, according to Gee.

The sheriff's office identified the victims as Vincent Thomas, 22; Tony Black, 22; and Rafael Guadalupe, 21.

Black was a member of the street gang the "Bloods," according to the sheriff's office.

"If, in fact, that's true, certainly it would shed some light on what happened," Sheriff Gee said.

A car seen speeding from the scene was recovered in Orange County, but investigators did not indicate any arrests were made. Hillsborough detectives are said to be working with investigators near Orlando.

Friends of Thomas, who lived at the home where the attacks occurred, sobbed as they stood near ribbons of yellow crime scene tape that stretched across the tree-lined road. Mourners said the young husband and father of two had zero gang ties.

He was a "big family man, that's all I can say about him, he was a good man," said friend Angel Rosa. "I don't know who the other guys were, but I know my partner."

Neighbors, who said the community is quiet and crime-free, were stunned.

"It's just totally shocking," said Lucile Fuchs, who lived right next door to Thomas. "We're an older couple, and they're a younger couple. We were glad to help them. I'm really sorry to hear this."

Little could be learned about the other two victims, other than Black's alleged gang connection.

A fourth man escaped the attack. 21-year-old Ralph Arroyo was beaten, according to the sheriff, and was picked up while wondering the streets.

"He acted scared and said that someone had jumped him," said Jim McCarthy, who lives near the crime scene. Arroyo rang McCarthy's doorbell shortly after the killings.

"He didn't ask to call the police or anything, he just said he wanted to come in." McCarthy said. "I thought that was kind of strange."

Investigators said they interviewed Arroyo, who was treated for his injuries at the scene.