TAMPA, Fla. – A horrifying scene unfolded in a Tampa neighborhood late Saturday night when 19-year-old Christos Alexander allegedly shot and killed his parents before turning his weapon on responding deputies, injuring one.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 14000 block of Cactus Wren Place around 11:09 PM after receiving a frantic call from a woman reporting that her husband had been shot. During the call, multiple gunshots were heard in the background.
Upon arrival, deputies found the caller and the suspect, Alexander, outside the residence. Tragically, Alexander shot his mother and then opened fire on the deputies. Five deputies returned fire, forcing Alexander back into the house.
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A tense standoff ensued, with HCSO’s SWAT, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Crisis Negotiation teams called in to assist. However, when the specialized units entered the home, they found Alexander deceased from his injuries.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Alexander’s actions, calling him a “monster” responsible for the deaths of his parents and the injury of a deputy. He praised the swift response of the deputies, stating their actions likely saved the lives of other residents in the neighborhood.
The injured deputy, Shane McGough, 26, is in stable condition. The other deputies involved in the shooting have been identified as Brandon Schade, Richard Ziegler, Bjar Atkins, and Ciara Moncada. None of them had any prior use of deadly force.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, in line with HCSO policy.
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