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Teen arrested for killing 16-year-old at Citrus Park Mall as victim’s father’s murder remains unsolved: HCSO

By FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  September 20, 2024 3:08pm EDT
Tampa
FOX 13 News

Arrest in deadly Citrus Park mall shooting

Hillsborough County deputies arrested 15-year-old Samuel Oquendo, saying he will be charged as an adult with second degree murder. It comes after gunfire at Citrus Park Town Center killed 16-year-old Peter Hyman, Jr., or "PJ."

TAMPA, Fla. - A teenager was arrested for fatally shooting a 16-year-old at the Citrus Park Town Center Mall over the weekend after a planned fight went awry, according to authorities.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Samuel Oquendo, 15, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, among other charges, in connection to Saturday's shooting that left Peter Hyman Jr, 16, dead. 

READ: Mother of teen killed in Citrus Park mall shooting looking for answers: 'He didn't deserve this'

Investigators said that on Saturday, two groups of juveniles took part in a ‘slapboxing’ event in the parking garage at the Citrus Park mall. Following the planned event, the juveniles shook hands and parted ways, according to HCSO. 

Samuel Oquendo mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Samuel Oquendo mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

A little while later, deputies say people from both separate groups ran into each other outside the mall, and a fight broke out. It is not clear when exactly Hyman Jr. was fatally shot. 

READ: Teen shot, killed outside Red Robin at Citrus Park mall: HCSO

State Attorney Suzy Lopez said Oquendo will face "adult charges because he made an adult decision with a firearm."

"It breaks our hearts to see another young person lost to gun violence. We will stand with the victim’s family to ensure the person responsible for his death is held accountable," said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Pictured: Peter Hyman Jr. Image is courtesy of Bianca Cooper. 

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister called Hyman's mother and told her that Oquendo had been arrested and charged with her son's murder. 

"I’m surprised we are finding out who it was before his funeral," Bianca Cooper said. "I thought this was something that was going to be months on end because I wasn’t really hearing anything. I was surprised when I got the call last night that they got the person."

Cooper told FOX 13 News that 14 years ago her son's father, Peter Hyman Sr., was murdered as he sat in a vehicle outside the Tally Ho Bar and Grille in Tampa. His homicide has not been solved. 

Peter Hyman Senior was shot and killed on February 6, 2010. His murder has not been solved. Image is courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Peter Hyman Senior was shot and killed on February 6, 2010. His murder has not been solved. Image is courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

"I’m happy, and I’m relieved there’s some justice, but I’m still sad because I know it’s not going to bring him back," Cooper shared."

She went on to say that she supports the decision to charge Oquendo as an adult and noted that the suspect's family lost their son as well. 

"He’s carrying a gun, and he’s using the gun like he’s an adult. It’s crazy," Cooper said. 

Cooper added that she was surprised her son was around a teenager who was carrying a gun and described what happened as senseless. 

Bianca Cooper's son, Peter 'PJ' Hyman Jr., was shot and killed on Saturday.

"There is no excuse for a teenager to have access to a weapon," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "It is our responsibility as parents to hold them accountable before it’s too late. Parents, please have those important conversations with your children. Make them understand the consequences of their actions, especially when it comes to firearms."

Oquendo has been charged with murder in the second degree, minor in possession of a firearm, and carrying a concealed firearm.

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