15-year-old boy arrested for fatal shooting at Citrus Park Town Center mall

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County officials have arrested a 15-year-old boy for his role in a fatal shooting outside the Citrus Park Town Center shopping center.

Investigators believe that a fight broke out between two groups of teenagers following a planned slapboxing event in the parking garage.

Slapboxing simulates boxing by using the palm of the hand instead of fists. Participants can get injured because the goal is to hit the opponent as hard as possible while avoiding getting slapped yourself.

The sheriff’s office said that after the slapboxing, the groups shook hands and left.

However, a short time later, some people met again near the Red Robin restaurant outside the mall. Investigators say that’s when a fight broke out and the shooting occurred.

Officers arrested the teenager on Thursday evening. He is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm as a minor and concealed carrying of a firearm.

ABC Action News is releasing the teenager’s name because he is accused of a serious crime.

“This 15-year-old defendant is being charged as an adult for making an adult decision with a firearm. It breaks our hearts to see another young person die at the hands of a gun. We will stand by the victim’s family to ensure that the person responsible for his death is held accountable,” said District Attorney Suzy Lopez.

“There is no excuse for a teenager to have access to a gun. It is our responsibility as parents to hold them accountable before it is too late,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Parents, please have these important conversations with your children. Make them understand the consequences of their actions, especially when it comes to firearms.”

Authorities believe the 16-year-old boy who was shot was Peter “PJ” Hyman Jr. He later died at a local hospital.

Peter’s mother, Bianca Cooper, said her son attended Jefferson High School and was a model student.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay medical bills and funeral expenses.