Keyontray Damar Henry, a 23-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on July 14, 2015, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The incident occurred following an argument over money between Henry and his friend, Samuel Parms. According to the investigation conducted by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, the dispute escalated when Parms pointed a handgun at Henry during the argument.
Parms initially left the scene but returned shortly after with an AK-style rifle and shot Henry once. Despite witnesses' efforts to provide first aid and Henry being airlifted to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The case saw significant developments in the following months. Samuel Parms, who was 22 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm. During the investigation, police found Parms' silver BMW with a rifle sling matching eyewitness descriptions. Additionally, a witness came forward, stating that Parms had confessed to the shooting, expressing distress over the incident as he and Henry had been close friends.
In March 2016, Parms pleaded guilty to the charges. Subsequently, in May 2016, Judge William Stone sentenced him to life in the Department of Corrections. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of escalating conflicts and the severe legal repercussions of such violent actions. The community of Fort Walton Beach was left to grapple with the loss of a young life and the impact of the incident on both families involved.
