Tampa Teen Accused of Killing Parents
A Tampa teenager is in custody after allegedly killing both of their parents and shooting a Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy. The suspect was apprehended after authorities responded to the scene. The injured deputy is expected to recover from their wounds.
The initial 911 call was made by the suspect's mother, 48-year-old Rebecca Themelis, who reported that her son had just shot her husband, 51-year-old Christos Themelis Sr. Dispatchers could hear more gunfire in the background during the call. The incident took place at their home on Cactus Wren Place in Tampa. Upon arrival, deputies found 19-year-old Christos Alexander Themelis Jr. outside the residence with his mother. Themelis Jr. then fatally shot his mother before opening fire on the deputies. Five deputies returned fire, wounding the suspect and causing him to retreat back into the house. The injured deputy has been identified as 26-year-old Shane McGough. He was shot in the leg and has undergone successful surgery to remove the bullet. Bodycam footage captured the intense moments of the shootout and McGough being hit. This was not the first time law enforcement had been called to the Themelis residence. Since 2021, there had been approximately 10 calls for service related to mental health issues and domestic violence by the son against his parents. After a standoff, SWAT teams entered the home and found Christos Themelis Jr. deceased from injuries sustained during the gunfight. His father was also found dead inside the home. Sheriff Chad Chronister referred to the suspect as a "monster" and stated that the deputies' swift response likely prevented a greater danger to the community.
