Harrison Boonstoppel

Harrison Boonstoppel, a 20-year-old White man from Tampa, Florida, was described by his family as a good-hearted and kind person who loved life. His mother called him a “nut” who was athletic, fast, and liked loud cars. He had a twin sister, Ava, and had overcome significant medical challenges since his premature birth. His family said he was the kind of person who would always be helping others.

In the early hours of October 29, 2023, Harrison was an innocent bystander killed in a mass shooting in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood. He and his friends had left a Halloween party and were only in the area for a few minutes when a fight broke out between two groups around 3 a.m. as bars were closing. During the altercation, gunfire erupted. Harrison was struck by a bullet that, according to the medical examiner, entered his lower back and went through his major organs and heart. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The shooting also killed 14-year-old Elijah Wilson and left 16 other people with gunshot wounds.

The investigation led to several arrests. Within hours of the shooting, police took 22-year-old Tyrell Phillips into custody, charging him with second-degree murder for his role in the death of Elijah Wilson. On November 16, police arrested a 14-year-old boy, Kayden Abney, initially on firearm possession charges. On December 6, 2023, detectives announced upgraded charges against Abney, including second-degree murder for Harrison Boonstoppel’s death, attempted murder, and attempted aggravated battery. Investigators said evidence connected Abney to the shot that killed Harrison. A third suspect, 21-year-old Dwayne Tillman Jr., was also charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

Prosecutors announced that Kayden Abney would be charged as an adult. Following court hearings, a judge ordered that both Abney and Phillips be held in jail without bond while they awaited trial. Procedural hearings have since been held for the accused. As of December 2023, the suspects remained in custody awaiting trial, and a trial date had not yet been set.

In the wake of their loss, Harrison’s family has worked to create a positive legacy in his name. His mother, Brucie Boonstoppel, has spoken out about the need for community change to prevent future violence. The family established the Harrison Bruce Boonstoppel Memorial Fund to partner with organizations focused on the health and safety of young people. A playground for children with disabilities was also named in Harrison’s honor.