Florida boy, 14, fatally shoots sister in argument over Christmas presents, sheriff says
A 14-year-old Florida boy is charged with murder, accused of fatally shooting his sister in an argument over Christmas presents, according to the sheriff in Pinellas County.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said the Christmas Eve incident began when 14-year-old Demarcus Coley went shopping with his mother, two siblings and two nephews.
After shopping, the family went to their grandmother’s house, where an argument over who was getting which gifts ensued.
Coley’s sister, 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin, walked outside with him and told him to stop arguing during the holiday.
Gualtieri said that Coley responded by telling his sister he was going to shoot her and her 11-month-old baby whom she was holding in a baby carrier.
While they were standing outside, Coley then produced a firearm and shot his sister once in the chest, according to the sheriff.
Moments later, their 15-year-old brother, Darcus Coley, came out of the house, armed with another firearm and shot Damarcus Coley, the sheriff said. Darcus Coley then fled the scene.
Baldwin was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her baby was not injured.
Damarcus Coley was also taken to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition as of Monday.
After fleeing the scene, Darcus Coley contacted his mother. He was located and taken to a mental health facility due to “self-harm statements” he made to investigators.
Damarcus Coley has been charged with 1st-degree murder, child abuse and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. Darcus Coley is charged with attempted 1st-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.