TAMPA — The parents of a teenager killed at Logan Gate Park two years ago have filed a lawsuit claiming the park was "a magnet for criminal activity.”

Ron Tomlinson and Loralie Gallagher have sued Hillsborough County, the Logan Gate Home Owner’s organization and the Zion Pentecostal Church For All citizens in the death of their son, Stephen Tomlinson.

Stephen was 13 at the day his strangled body was found in the park on Monterey Boulevard in Logan Gate. His neighbor and youth minister Joshua Rosa, soon after 21, was charged with his murder.

Rosa remains in the Hillsbough County Jail awaiting trial.

Rosa was a youth minister at the

Zion Pentecostal Church For All humans at the instance of Stephen’s death.  Its pastor, the Rev. Richard Guzman, referred questions to his attorney.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 16 by Tampa attorney David Tirella, claims the county and the Logan Gate community were negligent by failing to supply adequate lighting and protection at the park.

Ron Tomlinson fought for improvements to the park shortly after his son’s death.

The county recently spent $150,000 making changes to the park, including a dog park, fencing and safety degree lighting.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $15,000.

– Jackie Ripley, Times staff writer

Original post by Times staff