Officers from the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) are currently investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 6:35 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
The incident occurred at the Genesis apartment complex located at 631 Fairwood Avenue in Clearwater.
Officers arriving on-scene located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The first victim, Nicolshia Washington, age 25, was transported with life threatening injuries to Mease Countryside Hospital. She later died from her injuries.
The second victim, Washington’s 7 year-daughter, was transported to the trauma center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for further medical care.
The shooting occurred during a confrontation inside the apartment between Washington’s current boyfriend and former boyfriend as the former boyfriend was dropping
off the child.
Both men exchanged gunfire, with the two victims being hit by bullets. Detectives have talked to Stacy Cross, the current boyfriend, and began the search for Lavaris Delapierre, the former boyfriend.
At 12:30 p.m., CPD reported that Lavaris Delapierre has turned himself in to authorities. Lavaris Delapierre first was taken to Morton Plant Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, then transported to police headquarters for questioning.
Based on arrest documentation, Delapierre arrived at the apartment to conduct a drop off exchange of a child. He reportedly forced himself into the apartment by pushing Washington backwards into the apartment. She fell backwards into a television as she attempted to push him backwards toward the door.
During the struggle, Washington’s current boyfriend, armed with a handgun, appeared from inside the rear portion of the apartment in defense of Washington. Delapierre reportedly pulled out his handgun and pointed it at the current boyfriend and the two exchanged gunfire. During the exchange, Washington and her daughter were struck by bullets. Delapierre admitted to forcing his way into the apartment and that he suspected the current boyfriend was inside. He denied that he possessed a firearm and denied that he exchanged gunfire with the boyfriend, contrary to physical and ballistic evidence.
He is being charged with felony murder, armed burglary and felon in possession of a
firearm. He is being booked into the Pinellas County Jail Monday evening.
Delapierre is a convicted felon and adjudicated guilty on 10/12/2007, 6/2/2010, 5/4/2011, 5/4/2015, 1/16/2018, 8/16/2018, and 3/20/2020.
Additional information if/when received from the Clearwater Police Department.