In 1999, Sonphet “Tim” Chanthavong was carjacked, shot, and left dying in a St. Petersburg, Florida driveway. More than two decades later, his murder remains unsolved—and questions about the investigation remain unanswered.

On June 24th of 1999, Tim walked out of Spec’s music store holding a brand new Christina Aguilera CD. In the very next minute, he was greeted with a gun.

As of today, no one has been charged, arrested, or even suspected of killing Sonphet and the suspected carjacking quickly became a mystery.

If you have any information about Sonphet’s

murder you can call the St. Petersburg police at (727)893-7521 or if you choose to remain anonymous, text SPPD along with your tip to 847411.

Sources:

Brassfield, M. (2019, December 23). His life, his car stolen for joy ride. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/06/30/his-life-his-car-stolen-for-joy-ride/

Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times/200153767/

Raghunathan, A. (2019, December 8). FAMILIES LONG FOR ANSWERS. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2007/08/19/families-long-for-answers/

Victim Detail | Project: Cold Case. (2026, April 23). Project: Cold Case. https://projectcoldcase.org/victim-detail/sonphet-chanthavong-37/ Writer, T. S. (2019, December 9).

“Cold case.” Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2006/11/26/cold-case/

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