Tampa Teen in Custody After Parents Killed, Deputy Wounded
A teenager in Tampa is in custody following an incident that left two parents dead and a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy injured by a gunshot. The deputy is currently receiving medical care. The Sheriff's Office is investigating the alleged double homicide and the circumstances that led to the deputy being shot.
- The deceased have been identified as Christos Byron Themelis, 51, and Rebecca Ann Themelis, 48. The suspect was their 19-year-old son, Christos Alexander Themelis Jr., who died from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff. - The incident began after Rebecca Themelis called 911 to report that her son had shot her husband. When deputies arrived, they witnessed the son shoot and kill his mother outside the residence before he opened fire on them. - The injured officer is Deputy Shane McGough, 26, who was shot in the leg. He underwent surgery to remove the bullet and is now recovering. - Five deputies in total returned fire at the suspect, causing him to retreat into the home where he barricaded himself. A SWAT team later entered the house and found the teenager deceased. - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office had responded to at least 10 prior calls for service at the home since 2021, many of which were related to the son's mental health and domestic violence against his parents. - According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, there was an active risk protection order against the teen, and his firearms had been previously confiscated. An investigation is underway to determine how he acquired the weapon used in the killings.
