Niherson David Gustave, a 23-year-old Black male from Boynton Beach, FL, tragically lost his life on December 29, 2016, following a violent altercation outside the Excell nightclub in Delray Beach. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when an argument between two groups escalated into gunfire. Gustave, who was with one of the groups, was shot during the confrontation.
His friends drove him to Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach and left him on the curb, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that the argument began inside the nightclub and continued outside after both groups were ejected. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and police found shell casings and blood at the scene. Despite interviewing several witnesses, no immediate arrests were made. The nightclub owner, Marie Excell, expressed her fear and confusion over the incident, stating that she heard the gunshots and hid in the bathroom until it was safe.
In February 2017, authorities arrested Kalicia Bertrand, a friend of Gustave, on weapons-related charges, including discharging a gun in public. Bertrand was sentenced to three years in prison. The investigation into Gustave's death continued, with detectives seeking more information from witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The family of Niherson David Gustave, devastated by the loss, sought answers and justice for their loved one. They also started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.
