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Tampa Man Shot Cousin Who Was Wearing Flak Jacket, Police Say

REUTERS/Jim Young

Percy Metcalfe Contributor
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A Tampa man has been killed by his cousin after he asked whether a flak jacket he was wearing would work, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Joaquin Mendez, 23, was found by police officers in the front yard of the home where the shooting occurred. The vest, which had been pierced by the bullet, was recovered from inside the house. Mendez had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. He later died at the hospital from his injuries.

Alexandro Garibaldi, 24, the victim’s cousin, told officers that he had heard the gunshot and subsequently discovered Mendez outside. This story was contradicted by an eyewitness.

The witness stated that Mendez had been wearing the vest and asked whether it still worked.

“Let’s see,” replied Garibaldi, who then fired at his cousin.

Garibaldi now faces charges of manslaughter and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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Percy Metcalfe