Stephanie Willis, 34, and her 10-year-old son Ricky Ryon Willis were killed on October 21, 2018, in their Tampa apartment. The fatal altercation began during a dispute about what to watch on television. Stephanie’s boyfriend, Tyrone Johnson, was present and later said he acted in self-defense. Investigators and prosecutors concluded otherwise.

Prosecutors said Johnson shot Stephanie multiple times, then pursued Ricky, who was hiding under his bed; bullet casings were recovered beneath that bed. Police interview footage and Johnson’s own statements were used at trial. A jury convicted Johnson of first-degree murder in Stephanie’s death and second-degree murder in Ricky’s death. In November 2021 the jury recommended the death penalty, and a judge affirmed that sentence in December 2022. Stephanie’s father, Robert Hewitt, said the sentence offered some justice but could not restore his daughter and grandson.

If anyone knew Stephanie or Ricky, or has information about what happened that night, please share what might help the record.