(USNewsBreak.com) – Gunshots rang out as a fight between two groups of people turned exceptionally violent on October 29 in Ybor City, Florida. The violence killed two people, and more than a dozen others suffered injuries, several requiring hospitalization. Now, authorities have a suspect in custody.
The same day as the shooting, the Tampa Police Department announced it had arrested 22-year-old Tyrell Stephen Phillips in connection with the shooting and charged him with second-degree murder. Chief Lee Bercaw extended his thanks to the community for sending in tips that led to the timely arrest. He made it clear that those who “commit a crime in Tampa” will “pay for it.”
Suspect charged in Tampa shooting that killed 2, injured 18 during Halloween festivities https://t.co/kwMqT9NPoO pic.twitter.com/zq40FiRT8L
— New York Post (@nypost) October 30, 2023
Two victims died in the shooting melee. One was a 14-year-old boy, and the other was a 20-year-old, Harrison Boonstoppel. Boonstoppel’s family described him as a daredevil just beginning his life. On the morning of the shooting, he went to Ybor City to people-watch with friends. All of them ducked when the shots rang out, but unfortunately, gunfire hit Boonstoppel and he succumbed to his injuries.
The 14-year-old boy’s father, Emmett Wilson, came forward and identified him as Elijah Jaquan Wilson, saying he was “at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Wilson also revealed that this is not the first time he lost a child. In 2014, he lost another, according to WFLA. He pleaded with people to “please, stop the gun violence,” saying it isn’t going to end until law enforcement removes the gangs.
As of October 29, five of those injured in the incident remained in the hospital recovering. The suspect, who says he opened fire because he feared for his safety, remains in police custody. Legal analysts expect he will appear in court again on Thursday, November 3.
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