On November 27, 2023, Cody James Bennett, a 21-year-old from St. Augustine, Florida, was found shot to death along with another man, Tre Devon Lyons, 22, also from St. Augustine. The incident occurred in the 500 block of North Orange Street in West St. Augustine, near Webster Elementary School. A citizen reported hearing gunfire around 11:30 p.m., prompting St. Johns County deputies to respond to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found a vehicle that had crashed into a fence, with Bennett and Lyons inside, both having succumbed to apparent gunshot injuries.
The preliminary investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office indicates that this is an isolated incident, but as of the current date, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. The sheriff's office is seeking information from the public and encourages anyone with knowledge about the shooting to contact them at [email protected] or through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).
Cody James Bennett had a complex background; he was set to be sentenced for selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer in December 2021 and had also pleaded no contest to an accusation of shooting at someone during a confrontation the previous month. Despite these legal issues, Bennett was described by those who knew him as having potential, with ten people submitting character letters on his behalf ahead of his sentencing hearing. He was enrolled in school for HVAC certification and was seen by his community as a young man with potential for a business career.
The community has been affected deeply by the loss of both Bennett and Lyons. Tre Lyons was remembered by his family and friends as a loving son, grandson, and friend who left behind three children. A vigil was held to honor Lyons, where his family and friends gathered to remember his life and express their desire for justice.
