16-Year-Old Charged In Shooting Death of 13-Year-Old

TAMPA, FL — A 16-year-old teen has been charged with first-degree murder after being accused of shooting and killing a 13-year-old boy Nov. 23

Tampa police detectives arrested Ja'Marion Strange Friday who had an ongoing dispute with the victim.

At the time of his arrest, police said Strange was already in custody on three felony charges — two for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a charge of shooting into a building. Police said Strange opened fire on the 13-year-old's home while family members were inside Nov. 8

Police said the 13-year-old was shot near the Lee Davis Community Resource Center at 3402 N. 22nd St. near 26th Avenue in East Tampa. The teen was rushed to Tampa General Hospital where he died two days later.

Tampa police said detectives were able to gather evidences with the help of videos, witness testimonies and tips from the community.

The teen's death is the latest in a series of shootings that have plagued East Tampa in the past two years.

The Tampa Police Department investigated 100 shootings and 41 homicides in 2020. This year, there have been 30 gun-related homicides in Tampa and more than 230 non-fatal shootings.

Concern over the escalating gun violence prompted a group of grieving parents to found the Rise Up for Peace organization, and begin hosting monthly peace walks in the community, urging residents to speak up when the witness or hear about gun violence.

The organization celebrated its one-year anniversary on Nov. 15.

Among those frustrated with the continuing amount of gun violence in the community are Tampa City Council chairman Orlando Gudes and State Rep. Dianne Hart, D-Tampa, who lives five blocks from where the shooting occurred.

In November 2020, Hart held a news conference with fellow community leaders to appeal to the community to break the circle of silence regarding neighborhood crimes.

On Monday, community leaders will once again gather to plea for peace during the annual Illuminate East Tampa tree-lighting ceremony and visit by Santa from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Herbert D. Carrington Sr Community Lake on Ellicott Street in East Tampa.

"There's been too many senseless murders in Tampa," said Ruben Delgado, interim Tampa police chief. "We're just as frustrated as the community. The reality is we still have not brought all of the killers to justice. That's the frustrating thing. We need the community to come together and do the right thing."

Although Strange was charged in the victim’s death, the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-837-TIPS.

See related stories:

• Grieving Parents Come Together To March Against Gun Violence
• Tampa Police Call For End To Gun Violence After Citywide Increase
• Escalating Gun Violence Prompts Law Enforcement To Get Creative
• Family, Police Take To Streets For Tips On Shooting Of 4-Year-Old
• 13-Year-Old In Critical Condition After Being Shot In Tampa