Man Charged With Murder Outside Gibsonton Gas Station: Sheriff

GIBSONTON, FL — An 18-year-old man is accused of shooting a man outside a Gibsonton gas station on the night of Nov. 30, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

Deleno Spencer Madariago, was allegedly involved in a drug transaction with the victim before the shooting, investigators said.

According to authorities, witnesses said the victim, who had a gun in his hand, was shot after he got out of a black vehicle at Murphy USA gas station, 9023 Gibsonton Dr, before 10 p.m.

After allegedly shooting the victim, deputies said Madariaga was seen on store surveillance camera driving away in the victim's vehicle.

Detectives said the suspect left the vehicle in a grassy area near the Kings Lake Subdivision on Big Bend Road.

Madariaga was arrested on Wednesday during a traffic stop on N Falkenburg Road for murder in the first degree while engaged in robbery and robbery with a firearm, according to deputies.

The victim died at St. Joseph's Hospital, investigators said.

"This shooting occurred in a very public setting. We are thankful that no one else was hurt," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "With the help of witnesses, we were able to quickly identify the suspect responsible. Our investigation is ongoing as we work to learn what led up to this senseless act of violence."