Dispute Over Christmas Gift Leads to Charges Including First-Degree Murder and Juvenile Firearm Possession
During the Christmas holiday period in the United States, a boy shot and killed his sister over an argument about Christmas presents.
On the 26th (local time), CBS News and others reported that in Pinellas County, Florida, 14-year-old Damarcus Cole is accused of shooting his sister after a family argument. Cole was also reportedly shot by his older brother, who is one year older than him, after the incident.
On Christmas Eve, the 24th, Cole went shopping with his mother, sister Abriel Baldwin (23), and brother Darkus (15). At the store, the two brothers argued over who would receive more Christmas presents. The brothers continued to argue about the same topic after leaving the store and going to their grandmother’s house in Largo. Angered, Damarcus pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and threatened to shoot his brother in the head. At that moment, Darkus told his younger brother, "I don’t want to fight, so get out of the house." Their uncle separated the two and sent Damarcus outside the house.
Outside the house, their sister Abriel was with her 10-month-old son. Abriel said, "Enough already. It’s Christmas, why are you trying to fight?" In response, Damarcus cursed at his sister and threatened, "I will shoot you and the baby." He then fired a gunshot into his sister’s chest, where she was carrying the baby in a baby carrier. Afterwards, Darkus reportedly came out with his semi-automatic pistol and shot his younger brother. Darkus then discarded the gun in a nearby yard and fled. Abriel, who was shot by her younger brother, was transported to the hospital but ultimately died. Fortunately, the 10-month-old baby was unharmed.
Damarcus, who was shot by his brother, underwent surgery and is currently hospitalized in stable condition. He has been charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and possession of a firearm by a minor. Darkus, who shot Damarcus, has also been charged with attempted first-degree murder and evidence tampering. Bob Gualtieri, sheriff of Pinellas County, pointed out, "When delinquent youths possess guns, incidents like this happen," adding, "When they get angry, they end up shooting each other." The two brothers were reportedly previously arrested on charges of vehicle theft.
Meanwhile, multiple shooting incidents occurred across the United States during this Christmas holiday. On the 24th, a shooting at a shopping center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulted in the death of one adult male. Two other men sustained gunshot wounds to multiple locations and are in critical condition, while one woman suffered minor injuries. On the same day in Houston, Texas, a shooting occurred at a club following an argument, resulting in the death of a man in his 20s.
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