The Central Florida defendant who killed a teenager during the October mass shooting in Ybor City will be held behind bars until trial.
The State Attorney’s Office successfully argued that 22-year-old Tyrell Phillips, the Ybor City shooter, remains a danger to the community. The defendant shot and killed the victim in the middle of a crowded street as patrons poured onto 7th Avenue in the early hours of October 29th as bars closed. The event was caught on cell phone video and shows the victim was not drawing a weapon prior to the killing.
Prosecutors called to the stand two law enforcement detectives, an assistant medical examiner, and an eyewitness to the shooting and chaos that followed. Testimony, as well as videos entered into evidence, showed that no one pulled a gun or threatened to pull a gun on the defendant. Although the defendant told detectives he was scared for his life, a judge said he believes that Phillips lost his temper and fired three shots.
The judge also viewed several YouTube rap videos depicting the defendant and others who were with him in Ybor City that night waving firearms at the camera. One of the rap videos occurred just six weeks before the October mass shooting.
“Tyrell Phillips stood on a crowded 7th Avenue in historic Ybor City’s entertainment district and fired at a teenager three times. There are no pretrial conditions a court could impose that would make the community safe from a man who would commit such a senseless murder,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “He has no regard for human life and remains a danger to the people of Hillsborough County.”
The Tampa Police Department continues the investigation into the Ybor City shooter and separate shootings that occurred at the same location. Tampa Police, in collaboration with the FBI, have created a web-based portal for members of the public to submit anonymous tips, videos, or photo evidence about the Tampa shooting and Ybor City shooter. Members of the public can also call the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813)-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477.
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.
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