Joshua Demps, a 32-year-old African American male from Starke, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 5, 2021. The incident occurred following a verbal altercation between Joshua Demps and Ted'Qwon McGowan, 21, inside a vehicle on 1010 Brownlee Street in Starke. During the altercation, both individuals exited the vehicle, with Demps leaving from the driver's side and McGowan from the passenger side.
McGowan then shot Demps in the head, resulting in his immediate death.
The investigation into Joshua Demps' death led to the arrest and subsequent indictment of Ted'Qwon McGowan. McGowan was charged with first-degree murder and grand theft of a motor vehicle. The case was brought before a Bradford County grand jury, which found McGowan guilty of the charges. The sentencing for McGowan was scheduled for March 1, 2023, with a mandatory life sentence.
The death of Joshua Demps deeply affected his family and community. He was remembered as a loving and caring individual, cherished by his parents, Leeshell Demps and Carlos Jones, his grandparents, and his sisters. The community held a funeral service for Demps on November 20, 2021, at True Vine Outreach Ministries in Starke, Florida, where family and friends gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
The case of Joshua Demps highlights the tragic consequences of violence and the impact it has on families and communities. The legal proceedings against Ted'Qwon McGowan serve as a reminder of the justice system's role in addressing such crimes and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
