23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin dead after shooting on Christmas Eve in Largo

Update: Charges have been brought against two teenage suspects in the wake of a tragic incident during a family altercation on Christmas Eve in Largo.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed that 14-year-old DaMarcus Coley and 15-year-old Darcus Coley, a pair of teen brothers, engaged in an argument while Christmas shopping with the family on Sunday.

The dispute unfolded when the 15-year-old became envious of the quantity of gifts their mother was purchasing for his brother.

Upon exiting the store, the brothers, accompanied by their mother, their 23-year-old sister, and the sister’s 10-month-old and 6-year-old sons, proceeded to the suspects’ grandmother’s residence.

The purpose was for the grandmother to care for the sister’s young children while she went to work, as explained by Sheriff Gualtieri.

At the grandmother’s home on 22nd Avenue Southwest in Largo, the 14-year-old brandished his firearm and informed his brother that he intended to shoot him in the head, as detailed by the sheriff’s office.

Initially, the 15-year-old declined involvement in the altercation, and the boys’ uncle intervened to separate them. Subsequently, the 14-year-old reportedly exited the residence and moved outdoors.

His sister, the eventual victim, advised them to “leave that stuff alone” and questioned why they were attempting to initiate a conflict on Christmas.

The disagreement escalated between the 14-year-old and his sister, who was carrying her 10-month-old son in a baby carrier.

Regrettably, the 14-year-old directed derogatory terms at his sister and proceeded to shoot her in the chest with a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, as per the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the shooting, the 15-year-old allegedly opened fire on his brother, declaring, “you shot my sister.” Subsequently, the 15-year-old fled, discarding his firearm in a nearby yard, and was apprehended at a relative’s residence in Clearwater, according to the sheriff’s office.

The 14-year-old, who sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach, was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery. Unfortunately, their sister succumbed to her injuries.

The 14-year-old faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

The Pinellas Pasco State Attorney’s Office will assess the case and determine whether the 14-year-old will face charges as an adult.

Original Report:

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is currently examining a shooting incident resulting in the death of an adult near the intersection of Trotter Rd and 22nd Ave SW on Sunday afternoon.

The authorities state that the suspect and the victim were acquainted, and there is no danger to the general public.

The investigation remains active and is still in progress.