Detectives from the Tampa Police Department are investigating a homicide in the 8500 block of the Courtney Campbell Causeway after a 7-year-old was shot.
On July 4, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., a shooting occurred on the Courtney Campbell Causeway near Ben T. Davis Beach. The shooting occurred during a verbal altercation between two groups.
According to witnesses, a verbal altercation ensued between two groups regarding the reckless driving of a jet ski near the area where children were playing in the water. The altercation escalated when some group members began firing at each other. During the shooting, the grandfather attempted to shield his seven-year-old grandson from the gunfire when they both were struck. Neither the grandfather nor the child were involved the altercation when struck by a stray bullet.
The incident resulted in the 7-year-old child being shot in the head. The juvenile victim was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased. His grandfather suffered a gunshot wound to his finger and was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses described the groups involved as Hispanic males. Authorities are urging anyone with information, whether personal knowledge or evidence like photos or videos, to come forward and submit a tip to assist in the investigation.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspect(s) involved in this case.
Anyone with any information regarding the identity of the suspect(s) and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS(8477) or **TIPS, report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com, or send a mobile tip using the free Florida Crime Stoppers Mobile application. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first to be eligible for a cash reward.
“Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent child,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our detectives will work tirelessly until all those involved are identified and arrested.”