On Sunday in the 3900 block of East Ellicott Street, a 16-year-old teenager was shot at least twice and later died at a local hospital.

Tampa Police said Jamarie Lavon Hodges was shot across the street from his house.

According to his family, Jamarie was inside his home with his brother, Jaylen, when he heard noises outside. According to witnesses, a close friend of Jamarie’s named Poocho, was involved in a fight, and had been knocked out.

Jamarie and Jaylen reportedly ran outside to aid Poocho when another person fired several shots from a handgun, striking Jamarie twice.

Jose Guillermo Torres-Melvin

Tampa Police Homicide detectives have issued a warrant for the arrest of Jose Guillermo Torres-Melvis, 19, on a charge of first-degree murder.

Jamarie, along with two of his brothers, Jaylen and Javon, lived with their grandmother, Mary Ann Reynolds, who has had custody of them since 2002.

According to Ms. Reynolds, Jamarie had attended Middleton High School, and was trying hard to join the school’s football program. “He really loved football and free-hand drawing,” said Ms. Reynolds.

Ms. Reynolds said she wasn’t home when the shooting occurred, but at a church function. “I got a call, and came straight home. That’s when I was told what happened.”

Jamarie was known to put in a little work at Harmon’s Funeral Home, and the owner, John Harmon, said Jamarie helped him recently with a funeral service.

Jamarie was the second oldest of 4 boys, the youngest being 7-year-old Jimmie Jordan.

Jamarie had no insurance coverage at the time of his death, and anyone who wants to make a donation to help the family is asked to contact Harmon’s Funeral Home at (813) 626-8600.