Tampa Police detectives arrested 22-year-old Tyrell Stephen Phillips and charged him with Second Degree Murder for his role in the fatal shootings that took place early Sunday morning.
Two victims, a 14-year-old black male, and a 20-year-old white male, died as a result of injuries sustained in the shooting. Sixteen (16) additional victims were quickly triaged at the scene and transported by Tampa Fire Rescue to nearby hospitals with related injuries, fifteen (15) of which were gunshot wounds. Many of the additional victims, who ranged in age from 18-27 years old, have been medically treated and released from the hospital. Five remain in the hospital, recovering from their injuries.
“We make arrests quickly and with a sense of urgency,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “If you commit a crime in Tampa, you are going to pay for it and you are going to be charged. Thanks to the community who came forward after we asked for tips, we were able to quickly charge the suspect with second-degree murder in this case.”
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives continue to gather evidence and develop leads to determine what led to the shooting and identify and apprehend all parties involved. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to call Tampa PD at 813.231.6130, send a tip via TIP411, or contact Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS.