Teenager Arrested for Manslaughter and Tampering with Evidence
Published on February 08, 2025
WPBPD Case: #2024-15052
TEENAGER ARRESTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER AND TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE
Investigation revealed that a 19-year-old was fatally shot while inside a car with three other individuals ages 18, 16, and 16. The victim was transported to Delray Medical Center but later died from the gunshot wound.
On Monday, September 16, 2024, at 10:39 p.m., the West Palm Beach Police Department received a 911 transfer call from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office regarding a reported shooting. The caller reported that their friend had been shot in the area of Parker Avenue in West Palm Beach and that they were transporting him to the hospital. While driving on Interstate 95, they were involved in an accident near Lantana Road, and their car became disabled. Officers from the West Palm Beach Police Department and troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene, along with members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. The 19-year-old victim was found unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound, and transported to Delray Beach Medical Center for treatment. The victim later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The three individuals inside the car with the victim at the time of the crash agreed to speak with Homicide Detectives. They gave conflicting statements, denying involvement in the shooting.
The autopsy confirmed that the death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Physical evidence revealed that the 16-year-old suspect accidentally shot the victim while inside the car and disposed of the gun on I-95. A probable cause affidavit was prepared charging the suspect with Manslaughter and Tampering with Evidence.
On February 6, 2025, a TICO was signed by a judge and issued for the arrest of the suspect.
On February 7, 2025, the U.S. Marshals arrested the suspect at his home without incident.
The mother of the victim will be at the police department today at 6 p.m. to speak with the media about son. The police department will not be providing sound. Please confirm attendance.
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Lori Colombino #1475
Lieutenant
West Palm Beach Police Department
600 Banyan Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 822-1900 (Dispatch)
(561) 822-1669 (Office)
