Trevon Montrell Barton, a 21-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on October 30, 2021, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. The incident occurred during an outdoor boxing match held in the parking lot of the Skyway Plaza Shopping Center on 62nd Avenue South. The event, which attracted approximately 200 attendees, turned violent when an altercation broke out, leading to several shots being fired. Barton was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Four other individuals, including two men and two women, also sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
The investigation into Barton's death led to the arrest of Robert Lee Cooley, a 21-year-old male. Cooley, who was initially charged with carrying a concealed firearm and discharging a firearm in public, faced additional charges after further investigation. Detectives found probable cause to charge Cooley with second-degree murder in connection with Barton's death. Cooley was apprehended in Tampa and is currently held in the Hillsborough County Jail.
The case remains under active investigation, with detectives continuing to seek information from the public. The St. Petersburg Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The tragic event has left the community in mourning and highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in public spaces.
