A teen was arrested in a fatal Central Florida shooting.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 16-year-old in connection with a fatal shooting in Ruskin that left one man dead and another person injured.
At the time, the HCSO 911 Dispatch Center received a call about a shooting in the 5000 block of White Chicory Drive in Apollo Beach. When deputies arrived, they found a vehicle in a ditch along 19th Avenue Northeast in Ruskin with two people suffering from gunshot wounds.
The driver, 19-year-old Jonathan Blue, was taken to the hospital, where he later died. A female passenger was also taken to the hospital and was in stable condition.
Detectives say the shooting happened during a planned narcotics transaction at the residence. During that interaction, gunfire ensued.
Through their investigation, detectives identified 16-year-old James Middlebrooks as the suspect.
Middlebrooks was initially charged with Minor in Possession of a Firearm and Tampering with Physical Evidence. After further investigation and consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, a warrant was issued charging him with First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Attempted First-Degree Premeditated Murder, and two counts of Shooting at or Within a Vehicle.
“This was a senseless act of violence that took a young life and left another person injured. Those responsible will be held accountable,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they face this unimaginable loss. We remain committed to seeking justice and keeping our community safe.”
James Middlebrooks was already in custody at the Department of Juvenile Justice and was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing. This remains an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
