15-year-old arrested in fatal shooting near Central Florida Mall

A 15-year-old has been arrested for fatally shooting another teenager near a mall in Central Florida recently.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested the teenager in connection with the fatal shooting at the Citrus Park Town Center mall on Saturday, September 14th.

Through investigative measures, investigators discovered that an altercation broke out between two groups of young men following a planned “slapboxing” event in the parking garage. Investigators learned that after the group engaged in “slapboxing,” the teens shook hands and separated.

However, a short time later, individuals from both groups met again in front of the Citrus Park Town Center shopping center and a fight broke out.

HCSO received a 911 call about shots fired outside the mall. On scene, officers found a juvenile male with a gunshot wound to his upper body. The victim was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:22 p.m.

After a comprehensive and detailed investigation, investigators arrested 15-year-old Samuel Oquendo for his involvement in the fatal shooting.

“I am proud of our investigators for their work and determination in finding the person responsible for this tragic act. Your commitment will bring the person responsible for this senseless act to justice,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “There is no excuse for a teenager to have access to a gun. It is our responsibility as parents to hold them accountable before it is too late. Parents, please have these important conversations with your children. Make them clear about the consequences of their actions, especially when it comes to firearms.”

Oquendo was arrested around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19th and is charged with multiple charges including second degree murder, being a minor in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.

“As prosecutors, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold youth accountable for gun violence in Hillsborough County,” said District Attorney Suzy Lopez. “This 15-year-old defendant faces adult charges for making an adult decision with a firearm. It breaks our hearts to see another young person die at the hands of gun violence. We will stand with the victim’s family to ensure that the person responsible for his death is held accountable.”