In a devastating turn of events, a 14-year-old boy has been apprehended on charges of fatally shooting his own mother and firing multiple rounds at her boyfriend.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reports that the incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon in the Riverview area.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed profound sorrow over what he described as "a heartbreaking situation" for both the affected family and the neighbors who were witness to the tragedy. Investigators are currently at a loss to discern the motive behind the 14-year-old suspect's actions, noting that he does not have a prior criminal record.
"This family’s lives have been changed forever," lamented Chronister. "They lost a mother, and this mother’s life is over. When I tell you that this is one of nightmares. This is heartbreaking."
The sheriff's office disclosed that the incident transpired shortly after 4 p.m. in the Summerfield subdivision of Riverview. Numerous calls were made to report a shooting, and witnesses observed a young man brandishing a handgun as he ran through the neighborhood.
The suspect's elder brother informed deputies that he overheard a heated altercation between his mother and her boyfriend, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. He stated that he emerged from his room and witnessed his brother firing at their mother.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies confirmed the woman's tragic demise.
"Our suspect is only 14 years of age. This 14-year-old young boy’s life is over too. He will never see the outside of a detention facility," emphasized Chronister.
The boy also inflicted five gunshot wounds on his mother's boyfriend, who was rushed to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
Sheriff Chronister further revealed that when confronted by deputies, the suspect repeatedly threatened to harm himself, necessitating 16 minutes to de-escalate the situation.
Investigators are presently awaiting a search warrant to gain access to the residence and piece together the exact sequence of events.