Tony Shepard Jr. : “Hillsborough Boy, 16, Arrested in 2022 Brandon Homicide”

A Teen in Hillsborough County Charged with Murder in Connection to a Robbery-Turned-Homicide

A 16-year-old teenager, Tony Shepard Jr., is facing a murder charge in relation to a robbery incident that resulted in a homicide at a Brandon apartment complex in 2022, as announced by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.

The arrest of Shepard came after detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and discovered drugs, firearms, and money, leading to his apprehension on Tuesday.

Shepard is the fourth and final suspect to be arrested in connection with a homicide that took place on November 23, 2022. Prosecutors revealed that the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt during a drug transaction, culminating in the tragic shooting death of a 16-year-old boy.

Authorities responded to multiple reports of a shooting around 8:20 pm on the said evening near the Lakewood Place apartment complex situated at 1701 Lake Chapman Drive. The complex is located off Lakewood Drive, just north of West Brandon Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies found the teen victim in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that had collided with a tree. The victim had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck, leading to his demise, as per an arrest report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The identity of the deceased boy has not been disclosed by the sheriff’s office.

Previously, three other teenagers from Hillsborough, namely Jamerius Bennefield (17), Jyi’Keem Henry (16), and Demitrus Bailey (17), were indicted in connection with the shooting incident. Shepard was identified as their designated driver, according to the sheriff’s office.

Apart from the first-degree murder charge, Shepard is also facing additional allegations, including being a minor in possession of a firearm, grand theft of a firearm, armed possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and carrying a concealed firearm.

Sheriff Chad Chronister remarked in a press release, “This investigation underscores the unwavering dedication of our detectives to ensure that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve, regardless of the time it takes. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victim. We hope that this development brings them some sense of closure, knowing that justice will be served.”