Mother of teen killed at Citrus Park Mall speaks out: 'I'm feeling a lot of emotions right now'

TAMPA, Florida – The teenager who was arrested for fatally shooting another teenager at the Citrus Park Town Center mall last weekend ultimately failed to appear in court Saturday morning.

According to the state attorney's office, even though he is charged as an adult, he still has to go through juvenile court proceedings before that can happen.

“I'm just angry, frustrated, tired, sad. I'm feeling a lot of emotions right now,” said Bianca Cooper, Peter Hyman Jr.'s mother.

It’s been a week since Cooper’s 16-year-old son, Peter Hyman Jr., was shot and killed outside the Citrus Park Town Center mall. For days, Bianca waited for Hillsborough County police to investigate what happened, and on Thursday, they finally arrested Samuel Oquendo, 15, for allegedly pulling the trigger.

“I feel a sense of peace because an arrest has been made,” Cooper said.

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Cooper told FOX 13 that the news from Sheriff Chronister was more eye-opening than the one she received 14 years ago, when her son's father, Peter Hyman Sr., was murdered outside a bar in Tampa.

“14 years ago when something like this happened to his father, there was never an arrest. So I feel a certain peace knowing that the person was arrested. Now I just want justice, that’s all,” Cooper said.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez announced this week that Oquendo faces a number of charges, including second-degree murder, and will be charged as an adult.

But on Saturday, Cooper learned it would be a long process.

According to the State Attorney's Office, Oquendo was transferred to a juvenile facility shortly after his arrest and will first have to go through their process and fill out paperwork before his case is transferred to adult court in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Cooper continues to honor his son and thanks the Tampa Bay community for its support.

“For everyone who has reached out to me, it has made my days a little easier,” Cooper shared.

The community is invited to attend a vigil for Hyman Jr. Sunday evening at Julian B Riverfront Park at 6 p.m.

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