While Tampa Police officials continue to investigate the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old suspect by two officers, some neighborhood witnesses are saying the teen did nothing wrong.

According to Tampa Police spokesperson Laura McElroy, the shooting occurred in the Central Court Apartments in the 2500 block of Central Avenue around 7:20 p.m.

Officers said Javon Neal was shot while holding a loaded shotgun and refusing to obey officers' commands to drop the weapon.  

Authorities said Neal ran from them through the apartment complex and up a staircase. Officers said when he got to the third floor, he turned towards them while holding the weapon.

Officers reportedly ordered Neal to drop the weapon, he allegedly didn't comply and two officers shot Neal. He later died at St. Joseph's Hospital.

However, witnesses reported a different sequence of events.

"It happened so fast," said witness Calvin Robinson. "It happened like five yards in front of me. I stepped up on the third floor and soon as I got on the third floor I looked at them (and they) just start shooting. I didn’t see him draw no gun or nothing like that."

Meanwhile, TPD officials said they have numerous witness accounts that match the officer's accounts. Officials said they have interviewed everyone willing to come forward.

Officials said any witnesses with a different account need to come forward and give a sworn statement.

Family members calling shooting unjustified

Residents protested on the sidewalk at the Central Court Apartments Monday, comparing Neal’s death to that of Trayvon Martin. A small memorial also formed at the bottom of the staircase where Neal was shot.

Neal’s 12-year-old brother said he witnessed it.

“He like just died in front of my eyes,” said Kemon Ford, Neal’s brother. “They wasn’t doing nothing to try to help him. They just shot him and let him lay there and die.”

Neal has no prior arrests, but investigators say they have made contact with him before, including a couple times when he was armed. The teen was also kicked out of a Tampa middle school.

Still family members insist that was the past and say he was a good kid. Many loved ones said they do not believe he had a gun, despite what officers say.

“I don’t condone that violence,” said Kethessa Fordoms. “Especially gun play.”

Fordoms believes officers killed the wrong person.

“I felt they killed him for no reason,” said Kethessa Fordoms. “I mean it. They killed my son for no reason.”

Unknown how many times teen was shot

Police aren’t releasing how many times Neal was shot by officers. Family members say it was too many times.

“When we got to St. Joseph’s Hospital a doctor or a nurse did come to my sister and tell her that they shot him 14 times,” said Darryl Preston, Neal’s uncle.

The situation has Neal’s father in shock.

“One time he would have buckled,” said Michael Lovett, Neal’s father. “Fourteen times he’s gonna die and that’s where he is now. In a few hours I have to go see my son at the morgue. I can’t tell him ‘alright be careful now. I love you.’ I can’t tell him that no more. I have to go to his grave and tell him that.”

Large crowd gathers for candlelight vigil

Tampa police kept guard Monday night and Nation of Islam leaders tried to steer everyone away from violence. 

A crowd of about 100 people gathered led in prayer by one of Neal's uncles. 

He called for peace as family and friends held a candlelight vigil just feet away from where Neal was shot by police.