Friends: Killed teen was 'a very good kid'

It was after 1 a.m., but the streets around Pinehurst Drive and Hickory Circle were far from deserted.

Carlos Musteliel, 18, and a friend were hanging out near the intersection.

Nearby, and approaching quickly, was a 28-year-old neighborhood resident, Thomas G. Baker, out for a late-night jog.

Though alone, he had protection - a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

A few minutes later, he used it.

Baker told the sheriff's office he was jogging when the two teens in dark clothing approached. A conversation began, which turned into an argument. One of the teens punched him, Baker said.

He thought he was about to be robbed, Baker told investigators, and he thought one of the teens had a gun.

Baker has a permit to carry a pistol. He pulled out the handgun and shot Musteliel several times in the upper torso, deputies say.

Musteliel's 16-year-old friend, not yet named by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, ran away but was later found and is now considered a witness. Deputies say the teen told them he had hidden the hoodie he was wearing at the time of the shooting.

Baker called 911. He remained with Musteliel until deputies arrived.

Neither teen had a weapon, according to deputies.

This investigation is ongoing. There are no criminal charges against Baker at this time. Detectives say they are conferring with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office and will be referring the case to prosecutors for action.

A man answering the door at Baker's house said Baker was sleeping and could not comment. The man would not give his name.

Robert Bubba Ramirez, a neighbor who has known Baker and his family since 1986, said Baker "was a good kid. During the time we've known him, he's never gotten in any trouble that I know of.'

Baker and his family "were brought up pretty good," Ramirez said.

"That's a shame," said Ramirez. "He shot and killed an 18-year-old boy. What makes it even harder it's this time of year. The holidays are approaching. It is just a sad thing for both families."

Carlos Musteliel was sitting at the computer of his home at 8921 Villa Blvd. last night with his mom, Elena Lopez. He was finishing up some studying before doing what he usually did: go out and hang with his friends, said his cousin's husband, Johnny Delvalle.

Delvalle, who today was with Musteliel's grandmother and aunt making funeral arrangements, called the teen a happy young man "who was full of life."

"He just sold a motorcycle because his family thought it was too dangerous," Delvalle said.

Musteliel's family, Delvalle said, cannot comprehend that he would attack anyone.

Neighbor Aurea Figueroa said Musteliel "was a very good kid with a big heart."

Figueroa, 43, said her sons frequently played games of pickup football with Musteliel behind nearby Bellamy Elementary School.

"He was the kid who would keep the younger kids out of trouble. He would tell them to stay off the streets, don't do drugs and respect your parents."

Figueroa said there will be a candlelight vigil soon for Musteliel.

Musteliel was going to enroll at Erwin Technical Center on Monday, according to his friend, Mike Rodriguez. He said he and Musteliel were going to obtain certified nursing assistant training.

"He was such a respectful guy, said Rodriguez, who was standing outside Musteliel's house with a group of friends. "He never got into trouble."

Musteliel loved cars and the "Call of Duty" video game, said Victoria Ayala.

"He loved his Honda Civic," she said.

"He was the godfather of my daughter Liana," said Miguel Flores. "He was a very humble guy. He had his own money and came from a good family. He didn't need to rob anyone."

haltman@tampatrib.com

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