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Parents of suspected Seminole Heights killer found in contempt, placed on house arrest

Howell Donaldson Jr. and his wife Rosita will have to wear GPS monitors.
Rosita Donaldson and Howell Donaldson Jr. appear in court on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018.

Updated: TAMPA, Fla. - A judge found the parents of suspected Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Donaldson III in indirect civil contempt on Friday.

Judge Mark Wolfe placed Howell Donaldson Jr. and his wife Rosita on house arrest for five months and 29 days unless they cooperate with the investigation. They will have to wear GPS monitors.

The two will have to stay home with the exception of religious, employment and medical purposes.

The state can take further action if they don't cooperate in this time frame.

Watch: Click or tap here to watch Friday's hearing after the recess

Watch: Click or tap here to watch Friday's hearing before the recess

Original Story: TAMPA, Fla. – The parents of suspected Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Donaldson III are expected to appear in court Friday morning.

Howell Donaldson Jr. and his wife Rosita will have to prove why they should not be held in contempt of court for refusing to cooperate with an investigative subpoena. They were set to appear before judge Mark Wolfe at 9 a.m. Friday at the George Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa.

The two failed to appear at 9 a.m., but are appeared at 10 a.m.

The Donaldsons have remained mum when it comes to questions about their son and his possible role in the killings that stole the lives of four people in Southeast Seminole Heights between October and November of last year.

Related: Prosecutors in Seminole Heights case serve search warrants to Uber, Facebook, Snapchat and The Weather Company

The Donaldsons have said they will support their son during this difficult time.

Donaldson III is facing four counts of felony first-degree murder, and could be executed if convicted.

Jan. 26, 2018: Suspected Seminole Heights serial killer, parents appear in court

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