LARGO, FL – A teenager in Florida is facing charges after he allegedly shot his sister to death during an argument over Christmas gifts, as reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The fatal incident on Christmas eve saw Damarcus, 14, allegedly shooting his sister, Abrielle Baldwin, 23, in the chest at their grandmother’s residence. This act prompted Damarcus’s 15-year-old brother, Darcus, to retaliate by shooting Damarcus, after which he fled the scene.
Subsequent to the incident, both Abrielle and Damarcus were admitted to a local hospital. Unfortunately, Abrielle succumbed to her injuries, although Damarcus is currently stable. According to the Sheriff’s Office statement, the ill-fated evening started with the three siblings, along with their mother and Abrielle’s two sons, going Christmas shopping. A disagreement over Christmas presents ensued and continued at their grandmother’s house.
Despite Baldwin’s attempts to calm Damarcus, he threatened her and the baby she was holding before shooting her in the chest. In the aftermath of this horrific act, Darcus shot Damarcus and made a hasty exit, discarding his firearm in a nearby yard, which remains unfound.
Pinellas County Sheriff Gualtieri voiced his concern over the pervasive gun culture among the young generation, stating its disastrous consequences when combined with their inability to handle stressful situations.
Following his escape, Darcus contacted his mother and is currently in a mental health facility due to statements suggesting self-harm, as the police report indicates. He will be transferred to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center following his release.
Damarcus is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and delinquent possession of a firearm, while Darcus faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. The investigation continues.