Ivon Cobbs, an 18-year-old from Clearwater, Florida, tragically lost his life on March 8, 2021. Ivon, affectionately known as "Spazz" to his family and friends, was a beloved member of his community. He was born on May 14, 2002, and was educated in the Pinellas County School system. Ivon was known for his respectful and kind nature, and his passing left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
On the evening of March 8, 2021, Ivon Cobbs was involved in a drive-by shooting
that occurred on U.S. Highway 19 near Drew Street in Clearwater. The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. when a vehicle pulled alongside the car Ivon was in and fired more than two dozen shots into it. Ivon, along with three other passengers, was rushed to local hospitals. Unfortunately, Ivon succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. The other victims included Marshae Walton, 31, who was critically injured, and two others, Yvonne Sanders, 25, and Evers Maxie, 24, who sustained serious injuries.
The investigation into Ivon's death led to the arrest of 19-year-old Derriontae Ward, a known "chronic offender" with a history of 37 prior arrests. Ward was out on bond at the time of the shooting and was wearing a GPS-enabled ankle monitor. This device placed him at the scene of the crime and showed that he had been at the same restaurant as the victims before the shooting. Ward allegedly cut off his ankle monitor the day after the incident but was later apprehended at a relative's home. He faces charges of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.
The case against Derriontae Ward is ongoing, with significant attention on his extensive criminal history and the circumstances that allowed him to be out on bond at the time of the shooting. The community of Clearwater continues to mourn the loss of Ivon Cobbs, whose life was cut short by this senseless act of violence. The legal proceedings and investigations aim to bring justice for Ivon and the other victims affected by this tragic event.
