TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting after a 19-year-old killed his parents before firing at deputies and injuring one of them, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a report of a shooting just after 11 p.m. Saturday on Cactus Wren Place after receiving a call from Rebecca Themelis, 48, who said her son shot her husband, Chistos Byron Themelis, 51. Several more shots were fired while she was on the phone, according to a news release.
When deputies arrived, they found Rebecca and the suspect, 19-year-old Christos Alexander Themelis Jr., who had shot his mother in the back of the head and then fired at law enforcement, according to the sheriff's office.
Five deputies returned fire, and one, Deputy Shane McGough, was shot in his leg. McGough was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment, Sheriff Chad Chronister said at a press conference early Sunday morning.
McGough was released from the hospital on Monday and will continue to recover at home.
"Today is a day of relief and gratitude as we welcome Deputy Shane McGough back home. His courage and resilience in the face of such a tragic event exemplify the dedication and bravery of all our deputies," Chronister said in an X post. "We will continue to support him and his family as he heals and moves forward."
The Hillsborough County SWAT Team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called to the scene for help. Christos went back inside after deputies shot at him and barricaded himself in the house. When specialty units entered, they found the father and Christos dead. Authorities said the 19-year-old died from his injuries after being shot by deputies.
"The monster we encountered this evening is responsible for not only injuring our deputy but also killing his own mother and father," Chronister said.
Seanna Galarza, a neighbor, said she heard shots while she was lying in bed. She said she barricaded herself in her bathroom when she kept hearing shots and first responders coming to the scene.
"My heart sunk, and I knew something had happened over there," she said. "It's heartbreaking."
Galarza said she and her family knew him, and he would often go on walks with them. She described him as "fascinated with weapons" and said he always talked about guns and weapons that were kept in the house.
There were issues between him and his parents with law enforcement previously getting involved and going to the house, Galarza said.
Chronister said there have been at least 10 calls to the house since 2021 regarding disputes between Christos and his parents. He said the calls have been regarding mental health and violence against his parents. Chronister said there was an active risk protection order for Christos, and deputies had previously taken his weapons.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement will try to figure out how Christos got a gun.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office released the following bodycam video of the incident. WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised.