A property dispute led to the fatal shooting of Richard Bliss and the injury of two others Monday afternoon.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a shooting at a Plant City business.
Colonel Donna Lusczynski said HCSO received several phone calls around 4 p.m. regarding a shooting at Bliss Enterprises of Plant City Inc., 3940 E Knights Griffin Rd.
Richard Paul Bliss, owner of Bliss Enterprises, reportedly shot two males, one age 45 years old and one 44 years old, in his office. Lusczynski said it is believed Bliss had an ongoing dispute with both males about the property. A relative of the two people who were shot heard the shots, came in and shot Bliss, according to Lusczynski.
Lusczynski said Bliss was killed and the two injured were sent to a local hospital. One is reportedly in critical condition and the other is stable. The identification of the two in the hospital will not be disclosed until their family can be notified.
Deputies are investigating whether criminal charges are in place for the relative who shot Bliss. Lusczynski said the relative is “participating voluntarily in an interview” with deputies. Others who were on the property at that time will also be interviewed tonight by deputies.
Lusczynski said the men shot were living on the property and at least one was working for Bliss.
This is an active investigation and no additional information has been released at this time. Updates to come.
