On February 12, 2022, Demond Lamar Perry, a 26-year-old African American male from Saint Petersburg, Florida, was tragically killed in what was later determined to be the city's first homicide of the year. The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. when Perry was driving his white Infiniti southbound on Tyrone Boulevard near 9th Avenue North. While attempting to flee from a pursuer, Perry lost control of his vehicle, which subsequently flipped and caught fire.
Emergency responders extracted him from the burning car, and he was transported to Tampa General Hospital with severe burns. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries hours later.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Demond Lamar Perry had sustained multiple gunshot wounds prior to the crash. Medical staff at Tampa General Hospital discovered these injuries, prompting the St. Petersburg Police Department to reclassify the case as a homicide. The department offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
After several months of investigation, authorities arrested 22-year-old Jaylen Shazell in connection with the murder. According to police reports, Shazell pursued Demond Lamar Perry after he left a local nightclub, firing at least 24 shots at Perry's vehicle during the chase. This barrage of gunfire led to Perry losing control of his car, resulting in the fatal crash. Shazell was charged with first-degree felony murder for his role in the incident.
Demond Lamar Perry's death not only marked a tragic loss for his family and community but also highlighted the pervasive issue of gun violence in the area. His family, including his mother Rebecca Cabarris, father Eddie Perry, brothers Rashad Boone and Marquise Dean, and sister Alexis Perry, mourned his untimely passing. The community's response underscored the urgent need for continued efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence.
