Sheriff Submits Evidence From Teen's Shooting To State Attorney

LITHIA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation into the shooting death of 16-year-old FishHawk Ranch resident James Bradley Hulett to the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office to determine if charges will be brought after the three teens at scene.

The shooting took place around 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Bridgewater Drive home of a Tampa Police officer. Hulett was reportedly hanging out with three friends from Newsome High School, ages 15 and 16, when he was shot in the back of the head. He was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital where he died.

"Our investigation consisted of a complete crime scene analysis, review from the medical examiner, discussions with the victim’s family, social media analysis and a ballistics analysis," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a media release Thursday. "We have patiently, but persistently, waited for the other teenagers involved in this incident to provide statements to our investigating detectives. All three of the teenagers who were present the night of this shooting retained lawyers immediately following the incident. Only two of the three have spoken to our investigators, and the most recent of those statements happened just days ago."

Chronister said the Tampa Police officer who owns the home provided limited information to detectives through his attorney.

"All involved, of course, have the right to counsel, but this limitation has prolonged the investigation as we have tried to determine how this young man died on the evening of December 13th," he said. "Despite these many hurdles, our investigators have worked swiftly and diligently to ensure that all evidence available is considered."

See related story: After Fatal Shooting, Newsome Students Say They Don't Feel Safe

That evidence was given to the State Attorney's Office Thursday which will review it and determine who, if anyone, will be prosecuted in Hulett's death.

"While many have called for swift justice and quick criminal action, it has taken time to uncover the facts about how this death occurred," Chronister said.

He added that Hulett's death could have been prevented if the gun had been kept out of the hands of the teens.

"We at the sheriff's office believe that anyone handling a gun should behave with the presumption that the gun is loaded," he said. "We believe that all responsible gun owners should take steps to secure weapons beyond the reach of anyone, especially children and teenagers. Had those steps been taken that night, this tragedy would likely not have happened."

In closing, Chronister apologized to Hulett's family and friends for the delay in resolving the case.

"These are complicated cases that require an in-depth understanding of what took place," he said. "This young victim’s family deserves our empathy and, frankly, a better world. In this fallen world, the best we can do is find a path to justice and, hopefully within that justice, some comfort of peace."