On December 26, 2023, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss the arrest of two juveniles in connection to the murder of 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin during a domestic altercation.
On December 24, 2023, shortly before 2 p.m., deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau responded to a shooting at 2357 22nd Avenue Southwest in Unincorporated Largo. Deputies located Abrielle and 14-year-old Damarcus Coley, both suffering from single gunshot wounds. Abrielle was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Damarcus was transported to a local hospital, where he is in stable condition.
Through their investigation, detectives learned Damarcus, 15-year-old Darcus Coley, and Abrielle, who are all siblings, went Christmas shopping with their mother and Abrielle’s 11-month-old and six-year-old sons. They then went to their grandmother’s home where Damarcus, Darcus, and Abrielle were involved in a verbal altercation over Christmas gifts.
After Abrielle told Damarcus to stop arguing because it was Christmas, Damarcus told Abrielle he was going to shoot her and the 11-month-old she was holding in a baby carrier. Damarcus shot Abrielle in the chest while Abrielle was holding the child in the carrier.
Shortly thereafter, Darcus exited the residence with another firearm and shot Damarcus because Damarcus shot Abrielle. Darcus then fled the scene, tossing his firearm into a nearby yard. Detectives have been unable to locate the firearm used by Darcus.
After Darcus contacted his mother, he was located and taken to a mental health facility due to self-harm statements and will be transferred to the custody of the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center once he is released.
Sheriff Gualtieri advised juvenile delinquents are obtaining guns by either purchasing them on the street for cheap because they are stolen or through car burglaries. Sheriff Gualtieri stated, “In the last thirty days, we’ve taken reports where seventeen guns have been stolen from unlocked cars.” When referring to juveniles stealing firearms from unlocked vehicles, Sheriff Gualtieri stated, “Help us because we have a problem.” Lock your doors.
Damarcus was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder, Child Abuse, and Delinquent in Possession of a Firearm.
Darcus was arrested and charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
The investigation continues.
To view the entire press conference, please visit: