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Westchase Swim Coach Slain

Kelley Allen, best known by Westchase Little Flippers as “Coach Kelley,” is dead following an early morning incident at his home in Oldsmar.

 

Westchase swim coach Kelley M. Allen is one of two people shot to death around 1:30 a.m. Oct. 28 in Oldsmar.

According to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office media release, Allen, 49, and his live-in girlfriend, Imari Shibata, 49, were shot to death by Shibata’s 18-year-old son, Benjamin Bishop, at the 205 Cedar Key Court home the three shared.

Bishop admitted to shooting both with a 12-gauge shotgun after a several arguments broke out on Saturday, Oct. 27, the media release said.

Those arguments, the release said, were related to Shibata’s request that Bishop get a job, take his medicine and start paying rent. Bishop, deputies say, suffers from a mental condition and wasn’t taking his medicine.


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Bishop also told deputies that he and Allen had a discussion about laundry.

“Bishop said he was angry and retrieved the shotgun after the arguments, loaded the weapon and shot his mother and Allen in their bedroom,” the release said. “He told detectives he then reloaded the shotgun and shot them again.”

Following the incident, Bishop called 911 to report the shootings. He turned himself over to deputies at the front door.

Detectives discovered that Bishop had pawned several electronic items to get the money he needed to purchase the gun.

“He could not purchase the firearm himself because he was still on probation for a 2011 domestic battery incident, where he struck his mother and tried to strangle her,” the release said. “Bishop reportedly told a friend that he wanted the gun for protection from gang members.”

The gun was purchased for $279 several weeks ago and was stored in the attic of his home until he brought it down a few days ago and stored it in his dresser, the release said.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the Cedar Key Court address several times in the past, the release said.

Bishop has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Allen coached swimming for the Westchase Swim and Tennis Center. He was one of the instructors for the Little Flippers class for children ages 6 to 12.

Did you know "Coach Kelley?" Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments section.

Related Topics: Benjamin Bishop, Kelley Allen, and Westchase Swim and Tennis Club

Janice Rush

5:02 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Kelly was a gentle spirit who seemed to have found a special place in the world. He infused drive in myself and my children. We will are saddened to know he was taken too soon.

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Ann Rhodes

6:04 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Such a tragedy- coach Kelley you will be very much missed by many. Rest in peace...

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Stephanie

8:18 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Harrison and the Keane family are deeply saddened and confused with the loss of Coach Kelley today. He will live on in the hearts of the swimmers of TBAY Westchase.

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Melissa Bried

10:15 am on Monday, October 29, 2012

Coach Kelley, you will be missed by 3 generations of the Bried family. This senseless tragic act of violence took you far too soon from your family, your friends, your swimmers, both current & former, and from the sport you so loved & coached with great dedication & hard work & caring. Rest in Peace Kelley.

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Christina Senior

10:44 am on Monday, October 29, 2012

The Senior family is deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Kelly. He was a wonderful coach that really cared about the kids. My two daughters are so sad and confused as to how such a horrible thing could happen to their coach and his girlfriend. He was dedicated and came to the pool everyday and to all the meets with 100% attention and focus on all the kids. Rest in Peace Coach Kelly.

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Jennifer Kloos-Steinberg

1:25 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

Rest in Peace Coach Kelley Allen. Our daughter,
Alexandria "Lexie" will miss your drive & determination at the pool.
You taught her so much and will be missed by all. There will never be another like Coach Kelley!! Our prayers are with you all in our Westchase Family.

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Nordin Family

2:27 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

This man was one of the greats. He was an inspiring teacher, a loving spirit, and truly passionate about teaching kids. Our family grieves for this loss.

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Nelson Ricciardi

2:40 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Coach Kelley was much more than swimming coach. He was an inspiration.

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