Dexter Vantrese 'Peanut' Fergusson Jr., a 7-year-old boy from Riviera Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 14, 2021. Dexter was affectionately known as 'Peanut' by his family and friends. He was a student at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School and was described as a lovable and special child. On the night of his death, Dexter was fatally shot while he was sleeping in his home. The incident occurred following a dispute between neighbors, which had escalated earlier in the day.
Dexter's mother, Addiscia Ball, was also injured in the shooting but survived. Dexter's father and younger brother were not harmed.
The Riviera Beach Police Department responded to the scene and began an investigation into the shooting. Despite the severity of the incident, no arrests were made immediately following the shooting. The police were working on several leads, but the case remained unresolved for some time. Dexter's family, particularly his aunt Cayla Hunter-Lyons, expressed their grief and called for the person responsible to come forward. They emphasized that the shooting was a senseless act and that no disagreement should result in the loss of a child's life.
The community of Riviera Beach was deeply affected by Dexter's death. A vigil was held in his memory, and a GoFundMe page was set up to help with funeral expenses. The case drew significant attention, and the police continued to investigate, hoping to bring justice for Dexter and his family. The incident highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence and the need for community efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
