Tampa Police Conclude Fatal September 13 Shooting Investigation News Tampa Police TAMPA, FL (OCTOBER 1, 2026) - The Tampa Police Department has concluded its thorough[...]

TAMPA, FL (OCTOBER 1, 2026) - The Tampa Police Department has concluded its thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old male on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the 13000 block of River Willow Place. Following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the State Attorney's Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed against the resident involved.

We recognize the profound pain and concern this tragedy has caused for the family and friends of those involved, and for our entire community. To ensure full transparency, the Tampa Police Department is releasing the established sequence of events surrounding the incident.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the 15-year-old realized he had lost his cell phone after leaving a local establishment. The following day, he and two friends used tracking technology to locate the general area of the device, which indicated a location near the 13000 block of River Willow Place.

Seeking to retrieve the phone, the group entered the gated community through an open gate, leaving their truck in the middle of the roadway. After being asked by a community member to move their vehicle, they went door-to-door asking residents if anyone had the phone.

After receiving no answer at the front door of an adult male resident in his mid-20s, the group proceeded to the backyard. They entered the enclosed back patio and began banging on the sliding glass door. According to the investigation, the resident stated he put on a mask and armed himself to scare off the individuals he observed on his private back patio attempting to access his sliding glass door. Evidence shows that as the other teens fled, a physical altercation ensued just outside the enclosed patio between the 15-year-old and the resident. During the struggle, the resident stated he was placed in a headlock and feared for his life, at which point a single round was discharged from the gun, striking the 15-year-old.

When officers arrived, the 15-year-old was found critically injured, and officers immediately began providing life-saving measures. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Investigators confirmed that the resident cooperated fully with the investigation, and the firearm was secured as evidence. The teen's phone was not inside the residence and has not yet been found.

The Tampa Police Department presented the results of their investigation to the State Attorney's Office for formal review. After a thorough review of the facts and evidence gathered during the investigation, the State Attorney's Office determined that the facts do not support the filing of criminal charges, as they would be unable to successfully refute a claim of self-defense pursuant to Florida State Statute 776.012(2) in this incident.