Florida teen shoots younger brother who killed their 23-year-old sister amid fight over Christmas gifts
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
LARGO, FLORIDA: A 14-year-old teenager tragically shot his 23-year-old sister following a dispute over Christmas gifts. Prior to the shooting, he reportedly used derogatory comments for her. The accused teenager was then shot at by his 15-year-old brother.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's office conducted an investigation, revealing detailed information about the Christmas Eve altercation.
They provided insights into the origin of the dispute, how it unfolded, and the tragic conclusion involving the teenagers.
Florida teen kills older sister
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, as reported by Fox 10, said that the incident unfolded during a family outing for Christmas shopping on Sunday night, December 24.
The family, comprising 14-year-old Damarcus Coley, 15-year-old Darcus Coley, and 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin, faced tensions when Damarcus became upset about his brother Darcus receiving more gifts.
The disagreement persisted upon their return to their grandmother's house at 2357 22nd Avenue Southwest in Largo. While outside the house, Abrielle Baldwin, who was a young mother with two children, intervened and urged her brother to cease arguing over the gifts.
In response, Damarcus threatened to shoot both his sister and her baby in a carrier. Tragically, Damarcus followed through on his threat and fatally shot Abrielle.
Sheriff Gualtieri revealed that Darcus then shot Damarcus in the aftermath of the shocking event.
Reflecting on the victim, Gualtieri noted, "She was just a woman going about life with her two kids, trying to make a living and trying to make it."
When Abrielle was shot, her 11-month-old son fell to the ground, according to deputies.
What did Sheriff Gualtieri say?
Damarcus Coley is currently in a stable condition in the hospital. Sheriff Gualtieri has announced that upon his release, Damarcus will be taken into custody, facing a first-degree murder charge for shooting his sister.
Meanwhile, Darcus Coley has also been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.
Authorities express concern about the leniency shown to both teens, particularly Damarcus, who has a history of violence against school staff and law enforcement, by the juvenile justice system.
During a news conference on Tuesday morning, Sheriff Gualtieri stressed the urgent need for stronger laws to prevent teenagers from accessing firearms.
The Sheriff added, "They are not getting the consequences that they should get that keep them from doing it again and again and again."
He highlighted the recent surge in gun-related incidents in the vicinity of 22nd Avenue SW in Largo, prompting increased patrols due to 13 such incidents since September.
He further asserted, "This proliferation of guns on the streets and guns in this area and guns in the hands of these kids is the worst I've ever seen it, I don't think we've ever seen it this bad."
Additionally, Gualtieri revealed reports of 17 guns stolen from unlocked cars, suspecting that the weapons used in the shooting might have been obtained in this manner.
Gualtieri concluded with a stern message, "People can't leave their car doors unlocked and leave their guns in their cars. It's got to stop."
