Man Sent to Check on 'Erratic' Cousin Shot Dead in Nearby Thonotosassa

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, CA – A 23-year-old, who was checking on his cousin at his aunt's request, reportedly was shot dead by the man in Thonotosassa, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Darrell Gadson, 38, was arrested Monday shortly before noon at his residence on the 9800 block of Timmons Road on suspicion of second-degree murder for killing his cousin, Diquan Mills, the department said today.

After Gadson's mother expressed concern to Mills over Gadson's "erratic behavior," Mills and another individual went to the man's home for a check-in, deputies said.

The individual, who was not identified, told law enforcement that Mills was sitting on a living room couch when Gadson walked out of his bedroom, raising a handgun in his right hand as he headed toward the sofa.

The witness said he heard one gunshot, then fled the residence and called police. Responding deputies found the person hiding outside.

Deputies said Gadson was crouched down in his driveway when they arrived and was taken into custody.

Mills was found deceased in the living room and a .45-caliber Winchester casing was found near his body, deputies said.

A court-authorized search warrant, served on the residence and vehicles, resulted in the discovery of a black, .45-caliber handgun inside a gray Toyota Corolla, which was parked in the driveway of the Timmons Road home, the agency said.

The responding coroner said Mills died inside the house, and his wounds were consistent with the witness' statement.

Gadson did not provide any statements to law enforcement.

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--Image via Hillsborough Sheriff