Jamie Robe said he can only remember a couple murders in Temple Terrace since he moved here from Tampa 13 years ago.

The community sees its share of auto and home burglaries, but rarely are crimes violent.

So, Tuesday’s shooting death of 31-year-old Jobree Platt at Village Oaks Apartments came as a surprise to Robe.

“It’s pretty shocking,” he said.

The Temple Terrace Police Department is continuing to investigate Platt’s death, which occurred at about 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, according to a City of Temple Terrace press release. Platt, of Lutz, had been visiting a relative at the apartment complex, located at 8575 Montravail Circle. The two had gone out overnight, and as they returned to the complex, the shooter appeared in the breezeway near the elevator.

After a verbal confrontation ensued, the shooter pulled a handgun and fired, hitting and killing Platt, the release states.

ABC Action News reported Tuesday evening that Platt and his relative were returning from a casino. It is uncertain whether they were being targeted or whether the shooting was a random act.

The shooting suspect in the case is described as a black male, about 6-feet-4-inches tall, according to the release. He was wearing black clothing and a ski mask at the time of the shooting. He remains at large.

Now, safety is on the minds of some Temple Terrace residents.

“I was more concerned initially, but I realized it was a little further away than some of the complexes adjacent to our neighborhood,” said Robe, who lives near Bonnie Brae Park.

Jennifer Gully lives in north Tampa.

“It’s still close enough to be worrisome,” Gully said, “but I’m not worried for my personal safety. I don’t think the area in general is unsafe.”

Jessica Gilmore lives just outside of Temple Terrace with her husband, who is a delivery driver and makes stops near Village Oaks Apartments.

“That kind of worries me a little bit,” she said.

Village Oaks seemed quiet Wednesday morning. Gates were open to allow residents and visitors in and out of the complex freely.

Anyone with any information regarding the identity and whereabouts of the suspect who wants to be eligible for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS(8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com, text “CSTB plus your tip" to 274637 (CRIMES) or send a mobile tip using the “Tipsubmit Mobile” application, which is a free download for iPhones, iPads and Droids.

Those with information pertaining to this crime can also call Temple Terrace police at 813-989-7110.

Are you worried about your safety with the gunman still at large? Participate in our poll below and tell us in the comments.

See also:
UPDATE: Reward Offered in Village Oaks Shooting
Man Fatally Shot at Village Oaks Apartments