TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa man is facing charges, including murder, after authorities say he confessed to shooting and killing his brother.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says they received a call around 5:43 p.m. Monday that someone had been shot in the area of North Cameron and West Henry avenues.
When authorities arrived, they found 53-year-old Juan Rafols with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
After further investigating, detectives learned Rafols had a verbal argument with his brother, 38-year-old Joe Ruiz.
On Tuesday, officials say Ruiz went to the USF Police Department saying he wanted to surrender himself for killing his brother. The sheriff's office immediately responded.
After an interview with HCSO detectives, they say Ruiz confessed that he shot his brother.
“It is heartbreaking that a family disagreement has led to a loss of life. My heart goes out to this family as they cope with this tragic and senseless violence,” said Sheriff Chad Chronsiter in a statement. “Violence is never the answer. Situations should never be allowed to escalate to this extent. The suspect will now have to face the consequences of his brutal actions.”
Deputies arrested Ruiz without incident. He is facing charges of second-degree murder with a firearm and tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.