The surveillance camera footage of two Tampa Police officers shooting and killing 16-year-old Javon Neal was released Tuesday.
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. on July 22.
The video shows Neal running up a flight of stairs, turning to his left and running down a hallway. Officers Gregory Pryor, 36, and Shannon Murphy, 35, were dressed in plain clothes with police vests as they followed Neal up the stairs and turned to confront him.
According to the officers, Neal pulled "something" out of his pants leg and officers ordered him to show his hands and stop. They said he turned to them and was armed with a assault-style, pistol-gripped shotgun. With their guns drawn, one officer flinched before both officers opened fire and wounded Neal; he died at St. Joseph's Hospital after the shooting.
The officers told investigators they feared for their lives and were forced to shoot as a result. The State Attorney's Office cleared the officers of any wrongdoing in the shooting in early August. Relatives and supporters said at the time they still needed proof of Neal's involvement.
In the days following the shooting, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor said she was sorry for Neal’s death but stood firmly behind her officers saying that if it hadn’t been for their quick reaction, they may not have gone home to their families.
Castor penned the letter in response to many in the Tampa community demanding more answers in the death of Javon Neal. His father said he will do whatever he has to legally to make sure justice is served.
Pryor has been with TPD for 5 years and Murphy has been with the agency for 9 years.
Neal left behind a baby who is not yet born.