Parents of teen slain in park sue county, others

The family's attorney says the defendants did not address the unsafe conditions there.

By JACKIE RIPLEY, Times Staff Writer
Published November 29, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Stephen Tomlinson was slain at Logan Gate Park in Hillsborough in 2005.

TAMPA - The parents of a strangled teenager whose body was found nearly two years ago in Logan Gate Park have sued those they say should have made the park safer.

The park was a "magnet for criminal activity," said David Tirella, the Tampa attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the boy's parents, Ron Tomlinson and Loralie Gallagher.

Included in the lawsuit are allegations that Hillsborough County commissioners, the Logan Gate Village Homeowners Association and its special taxing district were aware that crimes were committed at the park on "numerous occasions."

It contends those authorities had been negligent by failing to provide reasonable lighting, fencing and adequate security for the park.

The body of 13-year-old Stephen Tomlinson was found at the park on Monterey Boulevard on Dec. 8, 2005.

The man charged in his death was his neighbor and youth leader, Joshua Rosa.

Rosa, who was 21 at the time, remains in the Hillsborough County jail awaiting trail.

The lawsuit also names Zion Pentecostal Church For All People, where Rosa was a youth leader.

The church's pastor, the Rev. Richard Guzman said he had not seen the lawsuit and referred all questions to his attorney.

Don Hardy, president of Logan Gate's taxing district, also declined to comment.

Tomlinson and other residents began calling for changes at the park shortly after Stephen's death. They claimed the park had a reputation for violence, drug abuse and sexual activity.

Hillsborough County recently spent $150,000 improving the area, adding a dog park, fences and security lighting.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 16 in Hillsborough Circuit Court, seeks damages in excess of $15,000.

Jackie Ripley can be reached at ripley@sptimes.com or at 813269-5308.

[Last modified November 29, 2007, 02:38:02]