14-Year-Old Boy Now Faces Murder Charges in Ybor City Shooting
A 14-year-old boy who was arrested last month on weapons charges in connection to a shooting in Ybor City now faces murder charges, according to the police. Kadyn Michael Abney has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted aggravated battery, and attempted murder, said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw in a news conference on Wednesday night.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
During the press conference, Bercaw was accompanied by Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez and the family of Harrison Boonstoppel, the victim in the shooting. Lopez emphasized the importance of taking a strong stance against juvenile gun violence and stated that Abney will no longer be treated as a juvenile.
Lopez revealed that Abney already has 11 pending juvenile cases related to offenses such as aggravated assault, battery, and grand larceny. Despite his age, Abney will now be charged as an adult and held responsible for his actions.
The shooting took place on October 29th near the 1600 block of East Seventh Avenue in Ybor City, resulting in two fatalities and 16 injuries. Abney was identified as a suspect and was apprehended in Palm Beach County on November 16th. He was charged with being a minor in possession of a firearm while wearing a mask and carrying a concealed firearm.
Video evidence provided to the police showed Abney displaying a gun at the scene of the shooting. Bercaw confirmed that four muzzle flashes were observed in the footage, further implicating Abney.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
Another suspect, Tyrell Phillips, 22, was arrested hours after the shooting and is charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of 14-year-old Elijah Wilson. Neither Abney nor Phillips are accused of shooting anyone else.
While the new charges against Abney are seen as a significant step forward, the police are still searching for additional shooters and individuals seen in a video of the incident. Bercaw urged anyone with information or evidence to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
