Demetrius Robinson, a 37-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 1, 2016, in Bradenton, Florida. The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. at a public housing complex located at 5723 11th St. E. Robinson was found dead alongside his girlfriend, Florence Randall, a 31-year-old African American female. Both victims were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds inside their home.
The investigation into the double homicide revealed that Robinson and Randall were
victims of a violent crime linked to a larger criminal enterprise operating in Manatee County. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the State Attorney’s Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, conducted an extensive investigation that led to significant developments.
On May 3, 2018, a federal indictment was unsealed, charging seven individuals from Manatee County with various crimes, including the murders of Demetrius Robinson and Florence Randall. The indictment named Andrew Thompson, 23, as the individual who shot and killed Robinson and Randall. Thompson, along with Jordan Rodriguez, 24, Alfonzo Churchwell, 31, Juan Ortiz, 24, Raymy Escoto, 23, Phillip Uscanga, 24, and Jesse Rodriguez, 20, were part of a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
The indictment detailed that on the morning of January 1, 2016, Thompson was provided a firearm by Jordan Rodriguez with the intent to threaten Robinson. However, the situation escalated, resulting in the fatal shootings of both Robinson and Randall. This incident was part of a series of violent acts committed by the criminal enterprise, which included additional murders, drive-by shootings, and other violent crimes aimed at furthering their illegal activities.
The case against the seven individuals was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making communities safer. The collaborative efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies were instrumental in bringing charges against the suspects. The indictment served as a significant step towards addressing the violent activities of the criminal enterprise and seeking justice for the victims.
The legal proceedings against the accused individuals are ongoing, with each facing potential life sentences if convicted. The case highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement to dismantle criminal organizations and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
