Florida Resident Won't Face Charges in Fatal Shooting of Teen
Authorities determined the shooter acted in self-defense during an altercation with the 15-year-old who was looking for his lost phone.
A man who fatally shot a 15-year-old boy searching for his phone in a Tampa apartment complex will not face criminal charges, according to the Tampa Police Department. Investigators concluded that a comprehensive review of the evidence did not support criminal charges against the unidentified resident.
The shooting occurred on September 20 when the teen, identified by family as Heitor Amaral, and two friends used tracking technology to locate his lost cellphone. The device was traced to the gated community where the teens entered through an open gate. After moving a truck they had parked in the middle of the road at a resident's request, the group went door-to-door seeking information about the phone. When they received no response at one residence, they entered an enclosed back patio and knocked on a glass sliding door.
According to police, the resident, wearing a mask and armed, emerged to confront the teenagers. As two of the youths fled, Amaral became involved in a physical altercation with the resident. The resident told investigators that Amaral placed him in a headlock, prompting him to fire a single shot in fear for his life. Amaral sustained critical injuries and died at the scene.
The state's attorney's office reviewed the case and determined that the evidence did not allow for refuting the resident's claim of self-defense.
"We recognize the profound pain and concern this tragedy has caused for the family and friends of those involved, and for our entire community," the Tampa Police Department stated.
Amaral's sister, Maysa Amaral, told the Tampa Bay Times that her brother had just started his freshman year of high school. Another friend, who was with Amaral, claimed there was no physical altercation before the shooting and that the group was fleeing when the resident opened fire. The mother of this friend stated that the shooter appeared eager to use his firearm.
Maysa Amaral described her brother as the youngest of three children, diligent with chores, fond of video games, and proud of an electric bike gifted by their father. "He was such a good kid," she said. "He absolutely did not deserve what happened to him."
A GoFundMe campaign created by Maysa Amaral to cover funeral costs and legal fees for the family has raised over $6,000 towards its $10,000 goal.