Tampa Police Charge Three Teens with Attempted Murder News Tampa Police TAMPA, FL. (JULY 21, 2026) - - Tampa Police have charged three teenagers following a series of violent[...]

TAMPA, FL. (JULY 21, 2026) - - Tampa Police have charged three teenagers following a series of violent incidents on July 13, 2026, that left two victims injured, including a homeless man currently in critical condition.

The assaults began in the early morning hours of July 13. At approximately 2:30 am, a white male in his mid-40s and a white female in her mid-30s were resting in the 800 block of E. MLK Blvd. Three males approached them, verbally antagonized them, and began throwing rocks at them. The female victim was struck in the back of the head before the suspects fled the scene. Thankfully, she was not seriously injured. This initial incident went unreported at the time.

Hours later, at approximately 7:45 am, officers on proactive patrol in the 3900 block of N. Nebraska Ave. found a Hispanic man in his mid-60s lying severely injured and unresponsive behind a closed business. He was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. He remains on a medically necessary ventilator as medical professionals monitor his condition.

As detectives began their investigation into the 7:45 am discovery, they connected with the victims of the earlier 2:30 am assault, whose accounts and statements helped investigators establish a clear timeline and gather initial suspect descriptions. The crime scenes are less than 1/4 mile from each other.

Information and images of the suspects were shared department-wide, leading an observant officer to tentatively identify the individuals involved as 13-year-old Samari Bryant (black male, 1/4/2013), 14-year-old Corliss Sirmons (black male, 6/15/2012), and 16-year-old Javonnie Council (black male, 4/9/2010).

Before the assaults were fully linked, the three suspects, along with a 16-year-old black female, had been taken into custody following an unrelated call for multiple auto burglaries along Emma St. At the time of that arrest, officers recovered clothing and evidence that later linked the teens to both violent attacks.

Preliminary findings in the assault investigations revealed that the group had planned to harass and assault homeless individuals for entertainment because they were "bored."

Bryant and Council were arrested on July 16, 2026, and charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Evidencing Prejudice, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. Bryant faces additional, unrelated charges including Battery and Exposure of Sexual Organs stemming from a separate incident reported by an adult female at a nearby park as he was being detained.

On July 21, 2026, Sirmons, who was already being held at the Hillsborough Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges, was charged with Attempted Murder and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Evidencing Prejudice in connection to the attacks.

Bryant, Council, and Sirmons, along with the female teen who was not involved in the assaults, also face six counts of Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance stemming from the auto burglary investigation.

"The fact that boredom is cited as a reason for criminal activity at any level, let alone attempted murder, is highly concerning, and those responsible will be held fully accountable," said Chief Lee Bercaw . "While many teens in our city actively participate in constructive, city and department-sponsored programs, there is simply no excuse for the senseless behavior demonstrated by this group."

Anyone with additional information they feel may be important to this case can contact the Tampa Police Department at 813.231.6130. Those who wish to remain anonymous can provide tips to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800.873.TIPS.

The Tampa Police Department remains committed to the safety of all residents, including our homeless population. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and is in need of assistance, vital local resources and outreach programs are available. To learn more about available support services, please visit https://www.tampa.gov/homeless .