Francis J. "Frank" Daly, a 30-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on July 31, 2016, in Lake Worth, Florida. Daly, who worked as a sous chef at Cabo Flats, was fatally shot during an argument outside a Kwik Stop convenience store located at 1202 6th Avenue South. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m., and Daly was found shot to death at the scene.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to the incident, and violent crime detectives launched an investigation into the homicide.
The argument that led to Daly's death escalated quickly, resulting in a fatal confrontation. Marquis Lanard Valentine, who was present at the Kwik Stop with his girlfriend, became involved in the altercation with Daly. Surveillance footage captured the events leading up to the shooting, showing Valentine leaving the store and returning to confront Daly near his blue Toyota Corolla. Valentine fired a single shot into Daly's chest from a close range of three to four feet. Daly, with his arms raised, was unable to defend himself and succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting.
Following the incident, Valentine fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement. In September 2016, Valentine was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Francis J. Daly. The case proceeded to trial, and in March 2019, a jury found Valentine guilty of the murder. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. The conviction brought some measure of justice to Daly's family and friends, who had been mourning his loss and seeking answers.
The tragic death of Francis J. Daly marked the 43rd confirmed homicide in Palm Beach County in 2016 and the fourth in Lake Worth that year. Daly's fiancée, Marissa Stesen, and their two young daughters were left to cope with the devastating loss. Daly's death highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community and the profound impact it has on the lives of those left behind. The Lake Worth community came together to remember Daly and support his family, emphasizing the need for an end to such senseless violence.
