Victim wanted to 'fight with no gun,' instead Florida teen grabs gun and kills romantic rival: cops

While a victim tried to fight with no guns, police say a 17-year-old Florida teen thought otherwise and shot and killed his “romantic rival.”

Bartow Police stated that Taron Hogan shot and killed his former girlfriend’s new boyfriend on March 27.

The victim, who police have not identified, was found by Polk County Fire Rescue and Bartow Police in the road, authorities said.

He was rushed to a local hospital and he died just after noon the following day from gunshot wounds to his chest and pelvis, The Ledger reported.

According to investigators, the victim, his girlfriend and another friend were walking down the road. That is when Hogan shouted to the group, “Come here!”

At that time, the 17-year-old victim began walking to Hogan, who left his yard and was walking towards the victim. Police said they got close to each other and were arguing, but were not yelling. 

The girlfriend said she heard the victim say, “Let’s fight with no gun,” and threw his handgun on the ground.

That is when the girlfriend and friend started to go towards the gun, as they feared Hogan would grab it, police said.

It was too late though, as detectives said Hogan beat them to the gun. He quickly picked it up and shot the victim twice, authorities said. 

From there, Hogan ran back into his house while yelling sarcastically to the girlfriend and friend to help the victim, police said.

Authorities said that two shell casings were recovered at the scene, but no gun was found.

Detectives interviewed Hogan with his mother, Melissa Neil, present. Authorities said Hogan denied any involvement in the killing and said his grandmother picked him up from work and gave him a ride home. 

Once home, Hogan said he did not leave his house and never got into a fight with anyone, according to authorities. Police said they also did not find any guns inside the home.

Hogan remains in juvenile detention. He has been charged with second-degree murder and destroying or tampering with evidence.