The Tampa Police Department has arrested a sixth suspect in connection with the assault that occurred the evening of February 13, 2025, near the Davis Island Dog Park, where the victims and suspects had gathered for a bonfire around 10:42 p.m. Detectives believe the attack stemmed from a dispute earlier in the week that occurred outside of Tampa city limits.
“This was a brutal and senseless attack that has no place in our community,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “No matter your age, if you commit a crime in our city, expect to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to the swift work and dedication of our officers and detectives, these individuals will now face the consequences of their actions.”
The newly charged suspect is:
- 16-year-old Jace Villanueva, (white male, 7/31/2008), charged with:
- Felony Battery
The previously charged suspects are:
- 17-year-old Owen Callahan, (white male, 2/27/2007), charged with:
- Felony Battery
- Burglary of a Conveyance with Assault or Battery
- 17-year-old Jacob Ely, (white male, 4/24/2007), charged with:
- Attempted Murder in the First Degree
- Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm
- Throwing a Deadly Missile into a Vehicle
- 15-year-old Joseph Gesuale, (white male, 3/4/2009), charged with:
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- 18-year-old Orian Robinson, (black male, 9/18/2006)
- Felony Battery
- Burglary of a Conveyance with Assault or Battery
- 15-year-old Grayson Shearer, (white male, 3/6/2009), charged with:
- Burglary of a Conveyance with Assault or Battery
According to witnesses, Ely threw a large rock at the rear window of a black Ford pickup truck while the driver, an adult white male in his late teens, and passenger, a white male juvenile in his late teens, were inside.
Ely, Callahan, Robinson, and Shearer then entered the truck, assaulting the teen passenger and forcibly removing both victims. The passenger lost consciousness during the assault, and Ely threw another rock toward his head. During the attack, Gesuale was waving a knife back and forth placing the driver in fear for his life.
The passenger was treated at a local hospital for serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has been released. The driver, fortunately, did not sustain any reported injuries.
While this was an isolated incident, it remains an active investigation. The Tampa Police Department is aware of a video of the attack posted to social media, which is also part of the ongoing investigation. Detectives encourage anyone with additional information, including video, to share them with investigators.