Centel G. "Po Boy" Deshazier, a 40-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on August 21, 2020, in Tallahassee, Florida. Deshazier was an innocent bystander caught in a drive-by shooting outside the Time Saver convenience store on Alabama Street. The incident, which also injured two suspected gang members, was part of a series of violent events linked to gang activity in the area. Deshazier had no known ties to the individuals involved in the shooting.
Following the incident, the Tallahassee Police Department launched an investigation that led to multiple arrests. Javon Peterson Jr., a 21-year-old male, was arrested on charges of premeditated murder and two counts of premeditated attempted murder. The investigation revealed that the shooting was part of an ongoing feud between rival gangs in Tallahassee, contributing to a wave of retaliatory violence in the city.
The legal proceedings related to Deshazier's death have been significant. The State Attorney's Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement, worked diligently to bring those responsible to justice. The community's response and cooperation were crucial in the investigation, highlighting the collective effort to address gang violence and ensure public safety.
Deshazier's death underscores the broader issue of gang-related violence and its impact on innocent lives. His family and friends remember him as a beloved member of the community, and his untimely death has left a lasting void. The ongoing legal cases and investigations continue to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic death, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future.
