Managing the Message: Law Enforcement Response After a Mass Shooting

Saturday, October 18, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MT

Location: Mile High Ballroom 4CD, Colorado Convention Center

On October 29, 2023, the Tampa Police Department responded to a shooting on East 7th Avenue in Ybor City, stemming from a feud between two groups. Fourteen-year-old Elijah Wilson and twenty-year-old Harrison Boonstoppel were killed, and sixteen others were injured. The incident occurred during Halloween weekend, amid large crowds—many in costume, some carrying replica weapons. Tampa Police arrested Tyrell Phillips for Wilson’s murder and later charged fourteen-year-old Kadyn Abney and twenty-one-year-old Dwayne Tillman Jr. for their involvement. This session will examine the department’s response to the incident and the steps taken in its aftermath to secure arrests, provide answers, and offer reassurance to a grieving community.

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Jonee' Lewis

Director of Communications
Tampa Police Department
Tampa, Florida, United States

Handouts

Speaker(s)

Lee Bercaw

Chief of Police
Tampa Police Department
Tampa, Florida, United States
Verliz Williams

Public Information Officer
Tampa Police Department
Tampa, Florida, United States