Fla. teen accused of fatally shooting sister during 'family spat' over Christmas gifts
12/27/2023 3:38 pm PST
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- A 14-year-old male is being charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing his sister because a family argument ensued over Christmas gifts.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, Dec. 24, deputies responded to 2357 22nd Ave. SW regarding a shooting and found 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin and 14-year-old Damarcus Coley both suffering from gunshot wounds. Medics transported Baldwin to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Coley was also taken to another hospital in stable condition.
Detectives learned during the investigation that Baldwin, Coley, their brother, 15-year-old Darcus Coley, and Baldwin’s 11-month-old and 6-year-old sons went Christmas shopping with their mother.
According to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Darcus Coley allegedly "was jealous that their mother was getting Damarcus more gifts than he was receiving." This reportedly led to a "family spat about who was getting what, what money was getting spent on who."
The family made their way to their grandmother’s house, where the argument continued. At one point, Damarcus Coley allegedly pulled out a .40 caliber handgun and threatened to shoot Darcus Coley in the head. Another relative reportedly made Darcus Coley go outside. The statement says Baldwin told her brothers to "stop arguing because it was Christmas," but then Damarcus Coley allegedly threatened to shoot her and her 11-month-old, whom she had in her baby carrier. Then, he reportedly shot her in the chest.
Gualtieri said in the press conference the bullet punctured both of her lungs, causing her to bleed to death.
Then, Darcus Coley allegedly took out his .45 caliber handgun and shot Damarcus Coley in the stomach. He dropped the firearm in a neighboring yard and fled to Clearwater, where he was later arrested. Darcus Coley reportedly called their mother, then was taken to a mental health facility "due to self-harm statements." He will be transferred to a juvenile detention facility at a later date.
Damarcus Coley was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and delinquent in possession of a firearm, while Darcus Coley is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
According to Gualtieri, Damarcus Coley’s criminal record dates back to when he was 12 years old and includes charges such as grand theft auto, minor in possession of a gun, burglary, and more. Darcus Coley was arrested in May for allegedly committing several auto burglaries.
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