Fourth teenager arrested in connection with homicide in 2022 in Brandon: HCSO

BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) — Tony Shepard Jr. was arrested on felony charges Tuesday at just 16 years old.

Deputies said Shepard was the fourth suspect linked to the shooting at an apartment complex on Lake Chapman Drive in Brandon in November 2022.

“Every time we hear about a loss of life, whether it's, you know, death or now a possible adult criminal justice case, it takes our breath away,” Freddy Burton, executive director of Safe & Sound. » Hillsborough said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the shooting was part of a failed robbery attempt during a drug deal in which another 16-year-old boy was killed.

“I mean, at 16, we try to get them to understand, look, sometimes this bag isn't as serious as you think it is,” Burton said. “This bag is not the key to success. This bag could be the key to getting into prison.

Police shared videos of evidence seized from the boy's home, including drugs, cash and guns.

Burton knows the suspects. Burton works with at-risk teens who regret the intervention didn't happen sooner.

“He was talking about how he was trying to find his friend who, unfortunately, was arrested because of this charge. He was trying to get him to stop,” Burton said.

Jamerius Bennefield, 17, Jyi'Keem Henry, 16, and Demitrus Bailey, 17, were charged and charged as adults.

Shepard Jr. faces charges of:

• Minor in possession of a firearm
• Robbery with a firearm
• Armed possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver within 1,000 feet of a church
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm
• First degree murder while committing a robbery