BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A young man who made national news at the age of 12 was killed in a bar shooting. The shooting took place early Wednesday in the parking lot of the Interstate Lounge, 9301 N. Nebraska Avenue.

The victim of the shooting, identified as Walter J. J. Revear, 28, was not involved in the fight, but was attempting to stop it, when he was killed.

In 1995, the late Judge Diana Allen made national headlines after she refused to sentence Revear, who was 12 years-old to state prison time.

According to police, officers received a 9-1-1 call pertaining to a shooting shortly after 1 a.m., Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered Revear lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Fire Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police said an argument took place at the bar after someone threw a drink on another patron. The individuals continued the fight in the parking lot.

Revear, who was not involved in the confrontation, was reportedly attempting to break up the fight. One of those involved in the fight identified as Jimmy Lee Cruz, allegedly went to his vehicle, took out a gun, and shot Revear. He then fled the scene in a newer model red Dodge Charger.

JIMMY LEE CRUZ

Suspect Surrenders
Tampa Police issued a warrant for Cruz, 33, in connection with the shooting. He surrendered to police and was booked in the Hillsborough County Jail at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, after police negotiated with his attorney, Michael Gonzalez.

Cruz did not make any statements to police and was charged with second-degree murder. He is being held without bond.

Earlier on Wednesday, after receiving information, police went to 10334 Chadbourne Drive, looking for Cruz. He reportedly shared the home with his girlfriend. However, the SWAT Team entered the house and found it empty, police said.