TPD tries to ID suspect, witnesses in Ybor stabbing

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa police are trying to identify a person of interest and several possible witnesses in the stabbing death of a former University of South Florida football player in Ybor City early Sunday morning.

Another person who was stabbed is being hospitalized.

It happened at The Orpheum on 7th Ave. around 3 a.m. Sunday. Police said the club was packed for an unofficial after-party for the USF football game. As bouncers began to clear the room, witnesses say a fight broke out at the entrance and a large brawl spilled into the streets.

Elkino Watson, who was a standout defensive lineman for the Bulls in 2014, was stabbed in a parking lot behind the club. His friend, Desmond Horne, was also stabbed but is expected to survive.

Police have not made any arrests. They are trying to identify a person of interest seen in photos wearing a blue shirt, and two possible witnesses, one wearing a plaid shirt, and another a female.

So far, police have not been able to determine a motive.

CrimeStoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for any information leading to an attack.