LARGO, Fla.: Two teenagers have been taken into custody after a deadly shooting incident involving their sister on Christmas Eve, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The tragic event began as a dispute over Christmas presents before escalating into a violent confrontation, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed.
The argument began when the 14-year-old boy expressed unhappiness over the number of presents his 15-year-old brother was receiving from their mother. The altercation continued as the family moved to their grandmother’s house, where their sister planned to leave her children while she went to work.
Upon their arrival at the residence, the 14-year-old reportedly brandished a gun and threatened to shoot his brother in the head. The situation was diffused when an uncle intervened and escorted the 14-year-old outside. However, tragedy struck when the sister, identified as 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin, confronted the teens and urged them to calm down. In a shocking turn of events, the 14-year-old shot Abrielle in the chest, resulting in her death. Thankfully, her 11-month-old baby, who was in a carrier, was unharmed.
Sheriff Bob Guiltere said she told her brother to “knock it off” and “why are you doing this?” The 14-year-old then pulled a gun and shot her.
In the immediate aftermath, the 15-year-old brother also drew a gun and shot his sibling in the stomach. Abrielle was taken to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Meanwhile, the 14-year-old suspect, who had been wounded in the incident, is currently in custody while recovering in the hospital. The 15-year-old fled the scene after discarding the weapon but was later apprehended and placed in a juvenile detention center.
According to Sheriff Gualtieri, both teenagers were known to carry firearms due to recent criminal activities in their neighborhood. Along with first-degree murder and child abuse, the 14-year-old is also charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
Investigations into the events surrounding the fatal shooting are ongoing as authorities try to uncover more information.