St. Petersburg Police detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of 1079 62nd Avenue S.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021.
Gunshots were exchanged while a few hundred spectators gathered around a boxing ring in the parking lot behind the Skyway Plaza.
An altercation between two groups occurred and several shots were fired.
Trevon Montrell, age 21, died of his injuries at the hospital. Four other people, two men and two women also suffered gunshot injuries. One of those injured is listed in critical condition.
One vehicle remained on-scene with a bullet hole through the side window.
Robert Cooley, age 21, was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Discharge of Firearm in Public. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are possible. According to an arrest affidavit, arguments escalated over possible gambling and cheating occurring at the event. Unknown subjects began shooting firearms at each other and Cooley was seen by security firing his S&W 40 caliber handgun into the direction of the crowd. Two security guards gave chase and detained Cooley at the scene.
On Friday, November 5, 2021 the St. Petersburg Police announced that Cooley has been charged with the 2nd degree murder of Trevon Montrell Barton.
Detectives are questioning several people. Anyone with information is urged to.call St. Petersburg Police 727-893-7780 or text SPPD plus your tip to TIP411.
This event appear to be related to the fairly new group called the Neighborhood Boxing League (NBL). The event reportedly was titled Tampa versus St. Pete.
Information on the NBL can be found here: http://neighborhoodboxingleague.com/. According to the site, “With the rise of gun violence around the country, The founders of The Neighborhood Boxing League decided that change needs to be made within the community. So they began the Guns Down Gloves Up Movement, encouraging people to express their anger and frustration in a different way. Rather than handling disagreements by grabbing a gun , how about fight it out and LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!”
The St. Petersburg Police Department denied any knowledge of the planned boxing match.
Additional information when released from SPPD.