CITRUS PARK, Fla. — Deputies say they have arrested the teen responsible for shooting and killing 16-year-old Peter "PJ" Hyman last weekend at the Citrus Park mall.
The 15-year-old boy, who 10 Tampa Bay is not naming at this time due to his age, was arrested Thursday night and charged with second-degree murder, minor in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.
Detectives said they learned that prior to the shooting, which happened just after 7 p.m. Saturday, a fight happened between two groups of boys following a planned "slapboxing" event in the parking garage. After finishing "slapboxing," the boys reportedly shook hands and parted ways.
But it didn't end there.
A short time later, boys from both groups came back outside of the Citrus Park Town Center Mall and a fight broke out, the agency said.
That's when Hyman was shot. He died a short time later at the hospital.
Detectives said they gathered enough evidence to arrest the 15-year-old for his alleged involvement in the deadly shooting.
“I’m proud of our detectives for their work and determination in finding the person responsible for this tragic act. Their dedication is bringing the individual responsible for this senseless act to justice," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "There is no excuse for a teenager to have access to a weapon. It is our responsibility as parents to hold them accountable before it’s too late. Parents, please have those important conversations with your children. Make them understand the consequences of their actions, especially when it comes to firearms."
According to Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, the 15-year-old will be charged as an adult, "because he made an adult decision with a firearm."
“We will continue to use every tool we can as prosecutors to hold teenagers accountable for acts of gun violence in Hillsborough County," Lopez said in a statement. "This 15-year-old defendant will be facing adult charges because he made an adult decision with a firearm. It breaks our hearts to see another young person lost to gun violence. We will stand with the victim’s family to ensure the person responsible for his death is held accountable."