TAMPA, FLORIDA: Tyrell Stephen Phillips, 22, is in custody and facing second-degree murder charges in connection with a horrifying shooting that unfolded on a bustling street in Tampa, Florida.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of a Sunday, October 29 morning, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuries to 16 others, CNN reports.
Tampa shooting erupted following dispute between two groups
The shooting incident erupted following a dispute between two groups of individuals as a sea of partygoers spilled out of the bars and nightclubs located in Tampa's vibrant Ybor City neighborhood.
This unfortunate episode unfolded shortly before 3 am leaving a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man dead, according to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
Among the 16 individuals injured, 15 sustained gunshot wounds, while one individual suffered serious injuries unrelated to gunshots.
Tampa Fire Rescue immediately provided triage and transported the victims to nearby hospitals, as detailed in an official statement from the Tampa Police.
In their statement, Tampa police clarified the age range of the victims, who were primarily between 18 and 27 years old.
Fortunately, many of these individuals have already received medical treatment and have been discharged from the hospital.
Tampa shooting suspect identified as Tyrell Stephen Phillips
The suspect behind the Tampa shooting has been identified as 22-year-old Tyrell Stephen Phillips.
Tyrell Phillips now faces a charge of second-degree murder with a firearm, as confirmed by Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. At this time, there is no attorney on record for Philips, as indicated by jail records.
Chief Bercaw expressed gratitude for the community's assistance in the investigation, noting the substantial number of tips received from the public since their appeal on Sunday morning.
He emphasized the importance of the "see something, say something" approach, highlighting its relevance not only in Ybor but also in various public spaces, such as malls and movie theaters.
Cops look for more suspects in Tampa shooting
Law enforcement is actively exploring the possibility of other shooters involved in the incident, and two handguns were recovered at the scene, one of which was reported as stolen.
The investigation has drawn support from the Tampa Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which issued a statement on Sunday afternoon.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez pledged her office's full cooperation in the investigation and underscored their readiness to vigorously prosecute those responsible for senseless gun violence.
Mayor Jane Castor lamented the tragic loss of lives and the impact on the community. She expressed her frustration at the frequency of such incidents and the consequences of split-second decisions fueled by the availability of guns.
