Justin Russell, 31, of Groveland, Florida, was killed on January 31, 2014 during a family and friends gathering in the Stuckey Loop area near Groveland. The confrontation stemmed from an ongoing local dispute over the disappearance of Xavier Tarrand, who had been last seen in January 2014. Russell intervened in an argument between his second cousin, 19-year-old Travis Leomontez Miller, and another person. Miller reportedly pointed a handgun at Russell’s face; when Russell tried to deflect the weapon and flee, Miller fired multiple times. Russell died of gunshot wounds.

Russell had a prior criminal record including charges of cocaine possession, burglary, and aggravated battery, and was a registered sexual offender. Miller was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. At trial, the defense argued Miller acted in the heat of passion after witnessing Russell push Miller’s mother and curse about Xavier Tarrand; the prosecution said Miller pursued and shot Russell even after he fell. The jury found Miller guilty of second-degree murder.

Did anyone at the gathering or neighbors see the argument escalate or recognize details that could clarify what happened that night?