State Attorney’s Office Keeps Ybor Shooter Behind Bars Until Trial

TAMPA, FL (November 27, 2023) — The defendant who killed a teenager during the October mass shooting in Ybor City will be held behind bars until trial. The State Attorney’s Office successfully argued that Tyrell Phillips, 22, remains a danger to the community. The defendant shot and killed the victim in the middle of a crowded street as patrons poured onto 7^th Avenue in the early hours of October 29 as bars closed. The event was caught on cell phone video and shows the victim was not drawing a weapon prior to the killing.

Prosecutors called to the stand two law enforcement detectives, an assistant medical examiner, and an eyewitness to the shooting and chaos that followed. Testimony, as well as videos entered into evidence, showed that no one pulled a gun or threatened to pull a gun on the defendant. Although the defendant told detectives he was scared for his life, a judge said he believes that Phillips lost his temper and fired three shots.

The judge also viewed several YouTube rap videos depicting the defendant and others who were with him in Ybor city that night waving firearms at the camera. One of the rap videos occurred just six weeks before the October mass shooting.

“Tyrell Phillips stood on a crowded 7^th Avenue in historic Ybor City’s entertainment district and fired at a teenager three times. There are no pretrial conditions a court could impose that would make the community safe from a man who would commit such a senseless murder,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “He has no regard for human life and remains a danger to the people of Hillsborough County.”

Our partners at the Tampa Police Department continue the investigation into the crime and separate shootings that occurred at the same location. Tampa Police, in collaboration with the FBI, have created a web-based portal for members of the public to submit anonymous tips, videos, or photo evidence. Members of the public are encouraged to visit FBI.gov/TampaShooting to provide any information to police that may aid the investigation. You can also call the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813)-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477.

State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media: