Antwan Roberts Jr., a 15-year-old boy from Orlando, Florida, was tragically shot and killed on December 8, 2020. The incident occurred near the intersection of Parramore Avenue and Columbia Street, just after Antwan had left his grandmother's home. He was found on the sidewalk by police officers who responded to multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting.
Antwan was a freshman at Wekiwa High School and was known to be a member of the local Boys and Girls Club, frequently visiting the community center.
The investigation into Antwan's death revealed that the shooting was likely the result of an ongoing dispute over social media, particularly Instagram. Detective Teresa Sprague of the Orlando Police Department indicated that Antwan had been involved in a conflict with individuals he knew, which escalated to the point of violence. The detective emphasized that this was not gang-related but rather a personal dispute among teenagers who had grown up together but had chosen different paths and friends.
Despite the efforts of the Orlando Police Department, no arrests have been made in connection with Antwan's murder. The police have repeatedly called for the public's help, urging anyone with information to come forward. They believe that witnesses who were present at the time of the shooting could provide crucial details that would lead to the apprehension of those responsible. A reward of $5,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
The community has been deeply affected by Antwan's death, and there have been several meetings and initiatives aimed at improving safety and building trust between the police and residents. The city of Orlando hired Dr. Randy Nelson, a nationally recognized police trainer, to develop a community safety and engagement action plan. This plan includes measures for building trust, policy and oversight, and community policing.
Antwan's death remains an active investigation, and the Orlando Police Department continues to seek justice for the young boy and closure for his grieving family. The case highlights the broader issues of youth violence and the impact of social media disputes escalating into real-world violence.
