TAMPA, Fla. — The reward for tips in this summer’s shooting death of a 7-year boy along the Courtney Campbell Causeway has been increased.

Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay announced Friday the reward has been doubled to $10,000 for information in the shooting death of Yitzian Torres Garcia.

What You Need To Know

According to Tampa police, Garcia was killed on the night of July 4, after a verbal altercation ensued between two groups of Hispanic males regarding the reckless driving of a jet ski near the area where children were playing in the water.

The altercation escalated when some members of each group began shooting at each other. Yitzian's grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, suffered a gunshot wound to his hand as he attempted to protect Garcia from the gunshots.

"The thoughts and prayers of our department and the entire community are with the Torres Garcia family as they hold a memorial service for Yitzian in Puerto Rico today," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Our detectives have been working tirelessly to identify and arrest the suspects in this case and we will not stop until there is justice for Yitzian and his family."

 

Tampa Police detectives urge anyone who was at or near the Courtney Campbell Causeway around 8:30 p.m. on July 4 to review any video they may have recorded to see if there may be anything that could assist in the investigation.

 

Anyone with information can call Tampa Police at (813) 231-6130.

Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward can contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS, online at crimestopperstb.com, or by mobile tip using the free Florida Crime Stoppers Mobile application.

Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for a cash reward.