Demond Tyrone Boykins, a 40-year-old resident of Saint Petersburg, Florida, tragically passed away on January 28, 2021. The incident occurred early in the morning in front of Kay's Food Store, located at 1421 22nd Street South. Initial reports indicated that Boykins was found with a gunshot wound and was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg in critical condition.
Despite efforts to save him, Boykins succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The circumstances surrounding Boykins' death were initially treated as a suspected homicide. However, upon further investigation, including the review of surveillance footage, detectives concluded that the shooting was accidental. The video evidence revealed that Boykins stumbled and fell in the parking lot, causing a bag he was carrying to hit the pavement. Inside the bag was a firearm, which discharged upon impact, striking Boykins in the head. This accidental discharge was determined to be the cause of his fatal injury.
The St. Petersburg Police Department conducted a thorough investigation, which included examining the firearm and the trajectory of the bullet. The findings supported the conclusion that the shooting was accidental, and no foul play was involved. As a result, there were no arrests or suspects in connection with Boykins' death. The case was not pursued as a criminal matter, and no litigation or murder charges were filed.
Boykins' death was a tragic accident, and the investigation by the St. Petersburg Police Department provided clarity on the events leading to his untimely demise. The community mourned the loss of Boykins, who was remembered by his family and friends during a graveside service held at Royal Palm South Cemetery.
