Pasco County Family Grieves Loss After Tragic New Year's Day Shooting

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PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A festive New Year’s Eve in Pasco County took a tragic turn when a disagreement between two individuals spiraled into a deadly shooting in the parking area of a bustling shopping center.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is actively looking into the incident, which unfolded around 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day at the Gulf View Square Mall, located on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

PREVIOUS REPORT: One person dead, another injured following Port Richey shooting: PSO

According to deputies, the confrontation involved two acquaintances and quickly escalated to an exchange of gunfire.

Both parties fled the scene before law enforcement arrived and subsequently sought medical attention at different hospitals.

8 On Your Side spoke with family members of Peterson who recalled who he was.

“He was young. You know, his story was still, his chapters were still being written,” said Marlowe Jones, Peterson’s brother. “It hurts, and it sheds light on a real issue we have in our communities with gun violence.”

Jones said Peterson had been attending a New Year’s Eve party at The Vaultt, an event venue located next to the mall.

Jones said he received a call from his sister and rushed to the hospital where Peterson had been taken.

“I got into the triage and that’s where I found out that he died in the operating room,” Jones said.

Jones said Peterson was shot multiple times.

“I know he was shot three or four times. I believe once in the chest, in the leg and another part of his body,” Jones said.

As the family begins the new year without Peterson, Jones reflected on his brother’s life.

“He knew the Lord, and he was trying to rebuild his life in the best way he possibly could. He worked hard… I will remember his pervasive smile and his intellect,” Jones said.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said no additional information is available at this time, the incident appears to be isolated, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Peterson’s family said they plan to hold a vigil Friday evening around 6 p.m. in front of the event venue next to the mall to honor his life and added that all are welcome to attend.