PLANT CITY, FL — A 19-year-old Hillsborough County man has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly shooting involving two vehicles in Plant City, according to the Plant City Police Department.
Police said the shooting occurred on May 9, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m. near West Baker Street and Thonotosassa Road. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and located a man suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Jesus De La Cruz Hernandez, was given life-saving measures by officers until Plant City Fire Rescue arrived. Hernandez was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
During the investigation, detectives identified 19-year-old Kenny Morales-Garcia as the suspect. Authorities said Morales-Garcia surrendered to the Plant City Police Department on May 11 accompanied by his attorney.
Morales-Garcia was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm, direct discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, throwing a deadly missile into a vehicle, and criminal mischief. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department at 813-757-9200.
SOURCE: PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
