LAKELAND, FL – A tragic altercation outside a convenience store in Lakeland has resulted in the death of a father and charges of murder against a teenager. The incident unfolded Tuesday evening at the Fast Stop on East Memorial Boulevard, leaving the community in shock.
Jesse Graham, the grieving mother of the victim, Joshua Graham, expressed her devastation over the loss of her 37-year-old son, who was a father to four children. “They took my son from his kids, from me,” she lamented, standing near the spot where her son died.
According to police reports, the deadly encounter began when 19-year-old Cornelius Gilmore and a woman of the same age arrived at the store in separate vehicles. After making a purchase, the woman attempted to back out of her parking space when Joshua Graham drove in, allegedly leading to a heated exchange.
Investigators state that Graham believed the woman’s vehicle nearly collided with his, prompting him to confront her with a derogatory remark. The situation quickly escalated as Gilmore and the woman approached Graham, resulting in a physical altercation in the parking lot.
During the confrontation, Gilmore reportedly drew a firearm and fired, missing Graham but striking the woman in the leg. A second shot, however, fatally struck Graham in the head. Witnesses and police describe the incident as a senseless escalation over a minor disagreement.
Gilmore has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for the injury to the woman. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Jesse Graham has called for action to prevent such tragedies, urging the community to remove guns from the hands of young people. “Take the guns off the streets,” she pleaded, emphasizing the need for change to prevent further loss.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about gun violence and youth in the area, with many community members echoing the call for stricter measures to control firearm access among teenagers.
As the investigation continues, the Lakeland community mourns the loss of Joshua Graham, a man remembered for trying to turn his life around and provide for his family.