The Crime Stoppers Tampa Bay reward has been increased in homicide investigation of a Central Florida 7-year-old.
Thursday, July 4th, is one year since the tragic death of 7-year-old Yitzian Torres Garcia, who was killed in a shooting on the Courtney Campbell Causeway between two groups who were arguing over jet skis before shots were fired.
One year since his tragic passing, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay has increased the reward for tips that lead to the identification and arrest of those who were involved in the homicide of Yitzian Torres Garcia.
“Watching fireworks on the Fourth of July should not have been the end of this young life,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “The Torres-Garcia family deserves justice. We hope this increased reward will serve as additional motivation for someone to come forward with information that could help in this investigation.”
Yitzian was killed on the night of July 4, 2023, after a verbal altercation ensued between two groups of Hispanic males regarding the reckless driving of a jet ski near the area where children were playing in the water. The altercation escalated when some members of each group began shooting at each other. Yitzian’s grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, suffered a gunshot wound to his hand as he attempted to protect Yitzian from the gunshots.
With the assistance of law enforcement partners, the Crime Stoppers reward for tips that lead to the identification and arrest of those involved in the homicide is now $25,000.
The FBI and ATF added $5,000 each to the previous reward of $15,000. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement previously added $5,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of those involved. Through the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Florida Office of Attorney General, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay had previously doubled the original reward, raising it from $5,000 to $10,000.
“We know that there are people who have information that could help solve this case and bring justice to this family,“ said Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay Executive Director Kelly McLaren. “Our goal is to make them feel comfortable enough to provide this information to investigators while remaining anonymous.”
“The FBI stands ready to assist our local law enforcement partners with resources to help advance investigations and keep the public safe. We hope our contribution to the reward will incentivize the public to come forward and provide crucial information to ensure justice is served for the family of Yitzian Torres Garcia,“ said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor.
“It has been one year since the Tampa Bay Community tragically lost Yitzian Torres Garcia due to senseless violence, and we implore those who may have more information to step forward and help us find the criminals responsible. FDLE stands in partnership with Tampa P.D. both investigatively and forensically to bring those responsible for this murder to justice. The family and the community deserve to see justice served,” FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said.
Anyone with information can call Tampa Police at 813.231.6130. Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward can contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS, online, or by 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.
