Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on July 4, 2023, while many people were celebrating Independence Day, a shooting between two groups of Hispanic males occurred along the Courtney Campbell Causeway west of Ben T. Davis Beach regarding the reckless driving of a jet ski near where children were playing in the water. As a result, a 7-year-old child sustained a gunshot wound to his head.  Yitzian Torres Garcia died from his injuries. Yitzian's grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, suffered a gunshot wound to his hand as he attempted to protect Yitzian from the gunshots.

Due to the location, we are asking if anyone has any information, whether it be personal knowledge, witnessed activity or a photo or video that may further the investigation, to submit a tip.

 

Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $5,500 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspect(s) involved in this case. Anyone with any information regarding the identity of the suspect(s) and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a mobile phone, report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com, or send a mobile tip using the free Florida Crime Stoppers Mobile application. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for a cash reward.

 

In addition to the reward offered by Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay, increased reward monies of up to $4,500 are available through the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Florida Office of Attorney General. The enhanced reward monies are available through June 30, 2024.  The tip must come through the Crime Stoppers program and lead to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspect(s) in order to be eligible for the enhanced reward. An additional reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in this case.