Shameka Lockett, 39, was fatally shot at her home on West Patterson Street in Lakeland, Florida, and was pronounced dead after family members found her unresponsive on December 24, 2022. Polk County deputies confirmed the shooting and an autopsy ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators identified her husband, 39-year-old Ronald Lockett, as the primary suspect. He had an existing history of domestic violence and was on pretrial release for aggravated battery domestic violence and driving without a license. Family members say Ronald picked Shameka up from work that morning despite a no-contact condition, the couple argued, and a gunshot occurred. Detectives recovered 27 rounds of ammunition, Ronald’s identification card, and a container of powder later identified as Ecstasy at the residence.

Ronald was found the next day at a different Lakeland address; he admitted to taking Shameka home but denied killing her. He was initially charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of Ecstasy, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating pretrial release. After the autopsy, he was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

If anyone knew Shameka or saw activity at the West Patterson Street home on December 24, please share what was seen or heard.