David Lemon, Jr. named as person of interest in Feb. 20, Crystal River shooting death of Tyler Hopkins

Citrus County, Florida - On Thursday, Oct. 15, 25 year-old David Jerome Lemon, Jr. was taken into custody by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and the U.S. Marshall's Task Force, as a person of interest in the murder of Tyler Hopkins, 26, of Hernando, FL.

Mr. Lemon was charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and is being held on a no bond status at the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto.

Tyler Hopkins was shot on Feb. 20, 2020, about 7:00 pm, in the front yard of a residence on NE 1st St. in Crystal River, near Copeland Park. He was transported to Bayfront Health Seven Rivers hospital in Crystal River, where he later expired from his injuries.

Detectives are asking that anyone with information on this crime contact the CCSO at (352) 726-1121 and ask for the Major Crimes Unit. To submit a tip anonymously and possibly become eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.

"To the members of the Copeland Park community and Mr. Hopkin's family: the Citrus County Sheriff's Office wants to bring you justice for your loss, but we need your help," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It is your knowledge, tips, and information that will help detectives build a rock solid case which can then be brought before a judge. If you know anything, please speak up."