Murder charge dropped in Tampa DJ road rage shooting under Stand Your Ground
A Florida judge dismissed the murder charge against Joel Moreno Cobo in the 2025 shooting death of Tampa DJ Dedrick Sykes. The ruling cites Florida's Stand Your Ground law.
Tampa DJ shooting: judge clears defendant under Stand Your Ground statute
A Hillsborough County judge on Wednesday dismissed a second-degree murder charge against Joel Moreno Cobo in connection with the fatal shooting of Dedrick Sykes, a Tampa-based artist known as "DJ Shy Guy", Google News MT — Crime (en) reports.
The fatal confrontation took place at the intersection of E. 5th Avenue and 22nd Street N. in Ybor City in 2025. According to court records, the incident began when Moreno Cobo flashed his headlights at another vehicle in traffic, prompting an exchange of profanities between him and Sykes. Investigators said Sykes then stopped his Jeep in the roadway, stepped out, and walked toward Moreno Cobo's car.
Surveillance footage captured approximately four seconds between Sykes halting his vehicle and witnesses reacting to gunshots. Moreno Cobo testified that Sykes came within inches of his car window with his hands concealed. Fearing for his life and the safety of his girlfriend and young child in the vehicle, Moreno Cobo said he drew his firearm and discharged two rounds.
Moreno Cobo acknowledged he did not observe a weapon on Sykes. His defence argued, however, that Florida law does not require a person to identify a firearm before lawfully acting in self-defence. A woman travelling in Sykes' car testified that Sykes was unarmed and did not possess any weapons.
Prosecutors contended the evidence was insufficient to support a self-defence claim, noting that Sykes made no explicit verbal threat of imminent death or grievous harm. Detectives also presented an earlier incident in which Moreno Cobo had pistol-whipped a man in Ybor City, though the defence maintained that his conduct during the traffic encounter was legally justified.
The judge ruled that the state had failed to demonstrate Moreno Cobo was not entitled to immunity under Florida's Stand Your Ground statute, granting the motion to dismiss.
Sykes' family expressed deep disappointment at the outcome. His uncle, Bruce Sykes, said: "I know closure is not happening right now, but justice, we'll have to see what that is. But closure, not yet. Just doesn't sit right, that he gets to go on, and Dedrick doesn't."
Officials have not confirmed whether state prosecutors intend to appeal the ruling. The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office issued a written statement: "While we understand the Court's decision, we respectfully disagree with the outcome. We will continue to advocate for accountability when the evidence supports criminal charges. Above all, our hearts remain with the victim's family and loved ones who have experienced a devastating loss."
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)