$25,000 reward offered for Tampa murder of Yitzian Torres Garcia

TAMPA, Fla. – It’s been a year since the tragic death of 7-year-old Yitzian Torres Garcia. To help his family find closure, Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay has significantly increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved.

“Watching the Fourth of July fireworks should not have ended this young life,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “The Torres-Garcia family deserves justice. We hope this larger reward will serve as additional motivation for someone to come forward and provide information that could assist in this investigation.”

Yitzian was killed on the night of July 4, 2023, after a verbal altercation between two groups of Hispanic men over the reckless driving of a jet ski near an area where children were playing in the water.

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The altercation escalated when some members of each group began shooting at each other. Yitzian’s grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, was shot in the hand as he tried to shield Yitzian from the gunfire.

Today, the FBI and ATF each added $5,000 to the previous $15,000 reward. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement had previously added $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. Through the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, in partnership with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay had previously doubled the original reward from $5,000 to $10,000.

“We know there are people who have information that could help solve this case and bring justice to this family,” said Kelly McLaren, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. “Our goal is to make them feel comfortable enough to provide that information to investigators while remaining anonymous.”

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“The FBI stands ready to assist our local law enforcement partners by providing resources to advance investigations and ensure public safety. We hope our contribution to the reward will inspire the public to come forward and provide critical information to ensure justice is served for the family of Yitzian Torres Garcia,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent Matthew Fodor.

“It has been one year since the Tampa Bay community tragically lost Yitzian Torres Garcia to senseless violence, and we are pleading with anyone who may have more information to come forward and help us find the criminals responsible. FDLE is partnering with the Tampa Police Department, both investigatively and forensically, to bring those responsible for this murder to justice. The family and community deserve justice,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell.

Anyone with information can call Tampa police at 813.231.6130. Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for the reward can contact Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS, online at crimestopperstb.com, or by cell phone using the free Florida Crime Stoppers mobile app. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first to be eligible for a cash reward.

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