Zion Willis, a 21-year-old from Ocala, Florida, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident on May 2, 2021. The incident occurred at the Pilot Travel Center located on County Road 484, just west of Interstate 75. According to reports, Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a disturbance call at the gas station around 2:10 a.m. Upon arrival, they found a large crowd and discovered that shots had been fired.
Zion Willis was fatally injured in the shooting, while another individual, Kwashonda Pierson, was also shot but survived her injuries. The shooting followed an argument, and despite an extensive investigation, no arrests have been made to date. Prosecutors reviewed the case and concluded that there were two shooters who could potentially claim self-defense, but it remains unclear who fired the fatal shot.
In the aftermath of Zion Willis's death, his family pursued legal action against the owners and operators of the gas station. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Metria Leo Willis, Zion's mother and the personal representative of his estate, against Keven Wiley, PFJ Southeast LLC, and Pilot Travel Centers LLC. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the defendants, citing numerous security failures at the establishment. These failures included inadequate surveillance, insufficient security measures, and a lack of proper policies to protect patrons. The lawsuit claims that the defendants should have been aware of the high crime rate in the area and taken steps to ensure the safety of their invitees. The family is seeking damages in excess of $30,000 and a jury trial under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.
The tragic incident has highlighted concerns about security at the gas station and the responsibilities of property owners to protect their patrons. Despite the legal proceedings, the investigation into Zion Willis's death remains open, with law enforcement continuing to seek information from the public to identify the individuals responsible for the shooting. The case underscores the complexities of determining accountability in incidents involving claims of self-defense and the challenges faced by families seeking justice for their loved ones.
