Ms. Kethessa Fordoms said she’s heard the Tampa Police Department’s report of what happened to her son, Javon “JJ” Neal, and she’s also listened to residents and witnesses at Central Court Apartments.

On Sunday, two Tampa Police officers shot and killed 16-year-old Neal after he reportedly ran from them, then later threatened to shoot them with a high-powered shotgun. The shotgun was found on the ground near a stairwell at the complex.

“I still don’t know exactly what happened,” said Ms. Fordoms.

“I don’t know why they had to shoot him. I’m upset they were trying to make my son out to be some kind of animal they had to put out of its misery.

“I don’t believe he was running from the police, and I believe they could have stopped him without shooting him.”

Ms. Fordoms said because “JJ” was a young Black male, she feels his life meant nothing to them. “To shoot him that many times is cruel. They kept shooting him after he was on the ground. After he was shot, they wouldn’t let me near him. They just stood there and let him die. I’ve lost my son over a stupid misunderstanding.”

Ms. Fordoms said her son never carried a gun, and she has no idea where the shotgun came from. “As far as I know, “JJ” had never touched a gun before. I never had one in my house.”

Tampa Police spokesperson, Laura McElroy, said on the day of the shooting, their office received a call of a fight at complex at 6 a. m.

“At 12:20 p. m., we got a call of another fight at the complex, and at 2:30 p. m., we got a call of shots fired at the complex. When officers arrived, they found shell casings in the parking lot area.

“A victim of that shooting showed up at 3:30 p. m. to St. Joseph’s Hospital with a shoulder wound.”

McElroy said at 7:21 p. m., a distressed citizen called to say shots were being fired at the complex again, and gave a description of the person firing the shots.

“When officers arrived, they spotted someone matching the description of the shooter. He walked away when the officers approached him, and when they told him to top, he ran into the courtyard of the complex, then into a staircase. He turned away from the officers on the third floor, and they reported seeing him pulling something from his pants leg. He turned around, and pointed the shotgun at the officers.”

McElroy said a teenager has no business with a dangerous weapon like this, and that it’s tragic a 16-year-old was armed with such a dangerous weapon, and pointed it at the officers.

“There has been misinformation circulated about the incident, and according to a witness, the officers had no choice but to fire their weapons.

“Anyone out there who claims to be a witness needs to come in and give us a sworn statement.”

McElroy said Neal had been seen in the parking lot with the gun in his pants leg prior to the incident with the police. She also reported that no drugs were found on Neal or at the scene.

Ms. Fordoms said due to a problem with her son’s insurance policy, the family will need help with funeral arrangements.

There was a donation rally held in West Tampa Wednesday night, and Ms. Fordoms said she appreciates the support the family has received.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to help with “JJ’s” arrangements, can contact Ms. Fordoms at (813) 952-6762. Gudes Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.