Update: April 12, 2024
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a juvenile who fired a gun at a minor and tampered with evidence.
On March 30, 2024, at 4:37 p.m., deputies responded to the 900 block of Seminole Sky Drive in Ruskin.
The caller, Cody Shimooka, 15, advised that he was helping pack up a neighbor's home when he located a firearm within a drawer and it went off when he moved it, striking a 14-year-old victim in the chest, who was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.
After a thorough investigation, HCSO detectives located evidence contradicting Shimooka's statements. Detectives also determined that the suspect tampered with physical evidence at the scene before deputies arrived.
”This type of behavior has no place in our community. Teenagers should be focused on going to school and making friends, but now we have a tragedy that will forever change the lives of all those connected,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I commend our detectives for their dedication and perseverance in seeking justice for the victim and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
HCSO met with the State Attorney's Office and approved charging Cody Shimooka with the following charges:
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Manslaughter with a Firearm
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Tampering with Physical Evidence
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Minor in Possession of a Firearm.
This is an active investigation; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
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Original March 30, 2024:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly shooting.
On March 30, 2024, at 4:37 p.m., deputies responded to the 900 block of Seminole Sky Drive in Ruskin.
Once on scene, deputies identified a 14-year-old male who had been shot in the chest. The minor who was shot was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The individual who fired the gun is cooperating with HCSO. The shooter is a 15-year-old male, and he told detectives he was an acquaintance of the deceased.
The circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation, and any other information will come from the Public Affairs Office.