TAMPA, Fla. — Law enforcement announced Wednesday night a teen faces additional charges and will be charged as an adult in an October shooting in Ybor City that killed two people and left more than a dozen others injured.
"We're proud to announce that this is the first step forward in getting justice for Harrison Boonstoppel," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, referring to one of the victims who lost their lives in the shooting.
Bercaw said Kayden Abney, 14, is now charged with second degree murder in Boonstoppel's death, attempted aggravated battery and attempted murder. Abney was first arrested 18 days after the shooting.
TPD said two officers saw the teen at the scene with a gun before he fled the area. He was initially charged with minor in possession of a firearm while wearing a mask and carrying a concealed firearm. Bercaw said video shows Abney firing a nine millimeter gun four times in the direction of Boonstoppel, and nine millimeter casings were found in his vicinity. Bercaw said that's the kind of weapon that shot Boonstoppel.
"The bullet that killed my son went through all his organs up into his heart, put a big hole in his heart, and the bullet was intact," said Brucie Boonstoppel, Harrison Boonstoppel's mother. "So, there we go. Now, we have something for them to connect because of the horrible way that my son died."
The chief said Abney was set to be released from custody Wednesday until the new charges were filed.
"If you're a juvenile and you're thinking about carrying a gun, you better think twice because you're going to get caught and you're going to get charges filed. It's unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it," Bercaw said.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez said Abney has 11 juvenile cases pending, ranging from aggravated assault to battery to grand theft of a motor vehicle.
“He was 13 years old and younger when he committed these offenses. So, therefore, he stayed in juvenile court as a result of his age. We are, of course, required to follow the law. He will be charged as an adult and will be responsible as an adult for the events in Ybor City on Oct. 29,” Lopez said. “It’s not easy charging a juvenile as an adult. It’s the last thing, as prosecutors, that we want to do, but it is our job and the job of the Tampa Police Department to keep this community safe.
“This defendant is clearly a danger to this community.”
Brucie Boonstoppel calls her son a beautiful soul who lived a happy life. She said she wants to see the community come together to improve the environment for young people.
“This is about guns, but it’s about — why are these kids out there with guns?” she said. “There’s got to be changes, and I’m talking about communities here. We can do something. We don’t have to say, ‘Yeah, this is how it is,’ because I do not believe it.”
Tyrell Phillips, 22, was arrested within hours of shooting. He's charged with second degree murder for the death of Elijah Wilson, 14.
Bercaw said police are still looking for more shooters believed to be involved. Anyone with information is asked to submit tips via this online portal.