Deantae Jedarrian Holmes, a 26-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 31, 2021, in Apopka, Florida. Holmes was born on January 2, 1995, in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in the Orlando and Apopka areas. He was known for his love of family, friends, and singing. On the night of his death, Holmes was involved in a fatal altercation that led to his untimely demise.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on East 17th Street off Old Apopka Road.
Holmes was in the garage of a home, eating fast food with two women and another man, Travone Jermal Simmons, a 19-year-old African American male. The situation escalated when Holmes' girlfriend woke up from a nap and became upset upon seeing Holmes talking to another woman. An argument ensued between Holmes and his girlfriend, during which she grabbed a brick. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Simmons left the garage and retrieved an AR-style rifle. When he returned, he and another man tried to intervene in the argument.
As Holmes turned away, Simmons raised the rifle and shot him multiple times in the back. Holmes was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following the shooting, Simmons fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was booked into the Orange County Jail without bond. The investigation revealed that there was no physical altercation between Holmes and Simmons prior to the shooting, and Simmons was accused of taking a gun from Holmes' body before fleeing.
The case against Simmons proceeded with the charge of first-degree murder, highlighting the tragic and senseless nature of the incident. Holmes' death left a profound impact on his family and community, who mourned the loss of a young man with a bright future ahead of him. The legal proceedings against Simmons aimed to bring justice for Holmes and his loved ones, as they navigated the aftermath of this devastating event.
