Fatal Shooting Of Boy, 7, Leads To $15K Reward: Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — One month after a 7-year-old boy was fatally shot by a stray bullet on the Fourth of July, Tampa authorities are doubling a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death.

Yitzian Torres Garcia was killed on July 4 near the Courtney Campbell Causeway after an argument between two groups of men over the reckless driving of a jet ski near where kids were playing turned violent.

According to Tampa police, Yitzian was struck by gunfire when some group members began shooting at each other.

Yitzian's grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, grabbed the boy and pulled him inside a truck when the shooting started, according to a Washington Post report. As they did, a stray bullet entered the vehicle and hit Hernandez's finger before striking Yitzian in the head.

Yitzian was taken to the hospital, where he later died, according to a WTSP report.

"There's no words to this tragedy," Stephanie Arroyo García, Yitzian's aunt, told The Washington Post. "We are really sad. We are really angry. We want justice."

Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay initially offered a reward of $5,000 before raising it to $10,000. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is offering an additional $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

"The thoughts and prayers of our department and the entire community are with the Torres Garcia family as they hold a memorial service for Yitzian in Puerto Rico today," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "Our detectives have been working tirelessly to identify and arrest the suspects in this case and we will not stop until there is justice for Yitzian and his family."