TAMPA, Fla. — An argument over jet skis led to an altercation that caused 7-year-old Yitzian Yzacc Torres Garcia to be shot and killed on the night of July 4 by a picnic area on the southern side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa Police said.

What You Need To Know

  • An argument over jet skis led to an altercation that caused 7-year-old Yitzian Yzacc Torres Garcia to be shot and killed

  • Yitzian's grandfather was shot in the hand, police stated

  • No arrests have been made

According to Tampa Police, the altercation started on Tuesday night between two groups and shots were fired. Officers on Ben T Davis Beach responded to the call just after 8:30 p.m.

Tampa Police said that Yitzian's grandfather had grabbed him and pulled him into the truck when he heard the gunfire going on. When they were inside, a round went through the vehicle, hitting the grandfather in the finger and hitting Yitzian in the head.

Family members said that Yitzian was in town visiting from New Jersey, and was in the area watch the fireworks show with his grandfather when the tragedy happened.

Yitzian’s aunt, Stephanie Arroyo Garcia, described her nephew as someone who was always smiling. She says just last year, her nephew met her children for the first time.

Now, all the family wants is answers to track down the person responsible for ending Yitzian’s life.

“If someone saw something, because honestly there’s a family that is suffering, there’s a mom that is suffering, and we are devastated, that we are adults, and it’s not fair that for something with no reason it has ended in this type of tragedy, because it was something that could be avoided,” she said.

According to police, some witnesses said that one group was mad because the second group was riding their jet skis too close to the shore where the children were playing in the water. During that argument, the group came out in the water and there was a confrontation between both of the groups, which led to gunfire.

Yitzian was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Yitzian's grandfather, who was shot in the hand, is expected to recover, police said.

There’s no word from Tampa Police if any arrests have been made or how many suspects were involved.

"Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent child," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Our detectives will work tirelessly until all those involved are identified and arrested."

Tampa Police say the nearby parking lot was full at the time and they need witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call 813-231-6130 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).