On December 24, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Largo, Florida, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin. The events unfolded after a family argument that began during a Christmas shopping trip. Abrielle, along with her two brothers, ages 14 and 15, and their mother, went shopping, where the younger brother became jealous, believing their mother was getting more gifts for the older brother.
This jealousy sparked a "family spat" that continued even after they left the store and returned to their grandmother's house in the Ridgecrest neighborhood of Largo.
At the grandmother's house, the argument escalated. The 14-year-old brother, Damarcus Coley, pulled out a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and aimed it at his 15-year-old brother, Darcus Coley, threatening to shoot him in the head. Despite being separated, the situation worsened when Abrielle tried to intervene. Damarcus then shot Abrielle in the chest while she was holding her 11-month-old son in a baby carrier. The bullet went through her arm and into her chest.
In response to the shooting, Darcus fired a shot at Damarcus, wounding him. Abrielle was transported to Largo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead due to a single gunshot wound to her chest. Both brothers were also taken to the hospital; Damarcus was in stable condition and expected to be released and transferred to a juvenile detention center, while Darcus was being treated at a mental health facility before being moved to a detention center.
Damarcus Coley has been charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a minor in possession of a firearm. Darcus Coley is charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. The community and family members have been deeply affected by the incident, with a vigil held to mourn Abrielle's death and support her family. The family has also started a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of raising Abrielle's two sons.
