TAMPA, FL – A teenager, Samuel Oquendo, 15, has been apprehended on second-degree murder charges in relation to a fatal shooting at the Citrus Park Town Center Mall. The victim, 16-year-old Peter Hyman Jr., died from gunshot wounds inflicted during a weekend disturbance, as confirmed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
According to officials, two groups of juveniles engaged in a ‘slapboxing’ event in the mall’s parking garage on the day of the incident. The situation reportedly remained friendly, with the participants shaking hands. However, tensions escalated later when they encountered each other outside the mall, leading to a physical altercation. The exact timeline of when Hyman Jr. was shot remains unclear.
In light of this incident, State Attorney Suzy Lopez declared that Oquendo would face “adult charges” due to his decision to use a firearm.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister informed Hyman’s mother, Bianca Cooper, about Oquendo’s arrest and charge. Cooper expressed shock at the quick conclusion, expecting the process to extend over months.
Notably, 14 years ago, Peter Hyman Sr., Hyman Jr.’s father, was also a murder victim in an unsolved case. Regarding Oquendo, Cooper voiced support for the decision to press adult charges, branding his actions as “crazy.” She also empathized with the suspect’s family, who lost their son to this tragic event.
Sheriff Chronister emphasized the responsibility of parents in such cases, urging them to hold conversations with their children about the implications of weapon usage.
Alongside the second-degree murder charge, Oquendo faces charges related to minor firearm possession and concealed carry.