The 16-year-old accused of killing security officer, Michael Valentin has also been charged with two ATM robberies.
The teen has been arrested 25 times before his most recent charge for first-degree murder, starting at the age of 10.
The motive according to police was attempted robbery.
Two days before the murder, police say a surveillance photo outside an ATM shows the teen robbing a University of South Florida student.
Robbery victim, Husain Baaquel, said he knows how lucky he is to be alive today.
“I thought he was going to kill me, because he wasn't playing. He had a gun. It was for real,” Baaquel said.
A closer look at the teen's record shows he started off in petit theft, then burglary and worked up to grand theft auto, robbery and battery. He has 25 arrests and more than 40 charges.
Baaquel said he actually feels sorry for the teen that allegedly held a gun to his head.
“I feel sorry for him. I'm sure his family is sad that he's been arrested. I'm just glad I’m alive," Baaquel said.
The teen's mother who lives in Tampa had no comment. His cousin said the boy has always been in trouble, but they did not expect murder.
Meanwhile, Valentin's widow, Shanequa "Nikki" Valentin, released the following statement;
"We, the family, are extremely grateful for the diligent work of the Tampa Police Department (TPD). They were able to apprehend the individual responsible for Michael's murder and now justice will be served. We are taking this time to celebrate Michael's life. We are very proud of Michael and the service he has provided these communities."
Police want to charge the teen as an adult to put a stop to a life of crime that started in grade school.
Bay News 9 is not naming the teen because it is not yet known if he will be charged as an adult, in accordance with our crime guidelines.