Xavier Antonio Johnson, a 29-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 13, 2022, in Davenport, Florida. Johnson was fatally shot during a drug deal at an Airbnb rental on Acorn Court. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Johnson and his associates had been using the rental property to sell marijuana since April 8, 2022. On the evening of April 13, two men entered the home around 8:30 p.m. and shot Johnson.
Surveillance footage captured three men carrying Johnson's body out of the house and taking him to the Heart of Florida Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Johnson's death led to the arrest of Justin Jenkins, a 29-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, including 35 felonies and 20 misdemeanors. Jenkins was apprehended in Volusia County and charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting into an occupied dwelling, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and other related charges. The Polk County Sheriff's Office released additional video footage showing Jenkins and another suspect, who remains unidentified, fleeing the scene after the shooting. Authorities are still seeking information on the second suspect involved in the incident.
In addition to Jenkins, another individual, Carlos Barada, was indicted for his involvement in Johnson's murder. Barada, a 32-year-old resident of Daytona Beach, was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was arrested in November 2022 after a traffic stop by the Daytona Beach Police Department, during which he attempted to flee and resist officers. Barada remains in custody, facing multiple charges related to the fatal shooting of Johnson.
The case has garnered significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple suspects. The Polk County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident, offering a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the remaining suspect. Johnson's family, including his two young daughters, mourns his loss and remembers him as a loving and joyful individual, despite the circumstances surrounding his death.
