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Two Tampa-area teens arrested in connection with shooting death of Deltona teen
Date Added: April 22, 2026 5:13 pm
Two teens have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Brenden Watkins (DOB: 03/05/2008) on Christmas Day in Deltona.
Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies arrested 19-year-old Brian Reardon (06/28/2006) and 15-year-old Kobe James Bedat (01/13/2010), both of Riverview, Florida, after VSO detectives obtained arrest warrants for third degree felony murder.
A thorough investigation by the Major Case Unit revealed Reardon and Bedat knew Watkins from online gaming and traveled from Tampa to trade an AR style rifle, which was later determined to be stolen. Watkins attempted to rob Reardon and Bedat leading to Bedat shooting Watkins.
Surveillance footage collected captured the arrival of Reardon and Bedat in an SUV, followed by a verbal confrontation and muzzle flashes before Watkins falls.
During the incident, a 17-year-old who was with Watkins discarded a rifle in a neighbor’s yard and was subsequently charged with violation of probation, violation of curfew and possession of a firearm.
Great work to the VSO detectives who worked diligently on this case and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance along with the State Attorney’s Office.
Bedat will be charged as an adult.
The original post about the incident is below:
VSO detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a 17-year-old in Deltona on Christmas night.
Deputies responded around 8:49 p.m. to the 2000 block of El Campo Avenue, where Brenden Watkins, 17, of Deltona, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies attempted life-saving measures, but Brenden was pronounced deceased on scene.
The investigation is active and ongoing at this time. The initial findings indicate the shooting may have occurred during an attempted robbery. No suspect is in custody at the time of this post. Detectives are actively pursuing leads and gathering additional information, and more details will be provided when available.