Parents of strangled teenager file lawsuit

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 Association and the Zion Pentecostal Church For All People in the death of their son, Stephen Tomlinson.

Stephen was 13 at the time his strangled body was found in the park on Monterey Boulevard in Logan Gate. His neighbor, Joshua Rosa, then 21, was charged with his murder.

Rosa remains in the Hillsbough County Jail awaiting trial.

Rosa was a youth leader at the Zion Pentecostal Church For All People at the time 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 provide adequate lighting and security 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 security lighting.

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

-- Jackie Ripley, Times staff writer