A Central Florida 15-year-old shot a 14-year-old in the chest, killing the teen before tampering with evidence in the shooting.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the juvenile who fired a gun at a minor and tampered with evidence.
On March 30, 2024, at 4:37pm, 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 caller, 15-year-old Cody Shimooka, 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 various charges. Cody Shimooka will be charged as an adult in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy on Easter weekend. The defendant will be charged with manslaughter with a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and minor in possession of a firearm.
“This tragedy claimed the life of a 14-year-old with a full life ahead of him,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “The defendant has pending cases involving other violent incidents in juvenile court already. He made an adult decision and will be facing charges in adult court as a result. My heart is with the family and friends of the victim whose life was cut short due to the defendant’s reckless actions.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
I don’t see how the 15-year-old young man being held responsible when the woman that they were helping pack is an adult and should have the gun concealed and unloaded. Knowing she was having teenagers to help her pack and move. He is only a child still not an adult. It wasn’t an intentional shooting and should have never happened.
And Would not have happened if the owner of the gun locked, unloaded and in a gun safe. Period. This tragic accident is what it is an accident to the 15-year-old but it is not his guilt but the owner of the gun. I feel sorry for their families. But I, but I do not agree with. The guilt of this young man.