A heartbreaking and violent incident unfolded in Tampa on Saturday night, leaving a family shattered and a community in shock. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that a 19-year-old named Christos Themelis Jr. murdered his parents and engaged in a deadly standoff with police.
The tragedy began inside the home of Christos Themelis Sr., 51, his wife Rebecca, 48, and their son Christos Jr. Authorities say Christos Jr. got hold of a gun and fatally shot his father.
Shortly after the shooting, Rebecca managed to make a frantic 911 call, telling dispatchers that her son had shot her husband. The call was punctuated by the sound of gunfire in the background, heightening the urgency of the situation.
When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered a dire situation. Rebecca was in the front yard, being held hostage by her armed son. The tension and danger of the moment were captured on police body cam footage, where a deputy can be heard shouting, "Stop reaching for your waistband!"
Tragically, Christos Jr. ignored the deputies' commands and shot his mother in the back of the head, killing her instantly. He then turned his weapon on the responding officers, hitting Deputy Shane McGough in the leg. The body cam footage also captured Deputy McGough’s cry of "I'm hit," followed by his partner's efforts to drag him to safety.
Deputy McGough is in good spirits and with his family. Surgeons are expected to remove the bullet from his leg later this morning and repair the damage it caused. Please keep him and all of the deputies involved with the shooting overnight in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/N41wzKdTBi
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) June 16, 2024
A gunfight ensued between Christos Jr. and the deputies, resulting in the teen's death. Deputy McGough was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. Reports indicate that he is now recovering and in good spirits.
As of Monday morning, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the motive behind this tragic event. The community is left grappling with the senseless loss of life and the violence that erupted in their midst.
The Hillsborough County community mourns the loss of Christos and Rebecca Themelis, and prays for the swift recovery of Deputy McGough.