Tampa police arrested 31-year-old Joel Moreno Cobo on Thursday night, charging him with second-degree murder in the shooting death of DJ Dedrick Sykes.
The shooting occurred on November 14 at the intersection of East 5th Avenue and North 22nd Street in Ybor City. Sykes, 41, who performed under the name DJ Shy Guy, died at a hospital after being shot.
Police say Cobo was stopped at a stop sign when another vehicle blocked his path. Sykes was driving behind that vehicle. After Cobo flashed his lights, both vehicles moved forward. A verbal exchange occurred between the two men, after which Sykes stopped his Jeep and exited the vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots moments later.
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Cobo stayed at the scene and told officers he acted in self-defense. Police recovered a holstered firearm from his waistband.
After analyzing witness accounts and evidence, detectives determined Sykes was not armed and had not threatened Cobo. Based on these findings, authorities decided to file murder charges.
Cobo was taken into custody at his residence and transported to Orient Road Jail, where he remains without bond.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated the investigation prioritized gathering complete evidence before making an arrest to ensure accuracy for the victim’s family.
