Marcas Johnson, a 19-year-old from West Palm Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on January 22, 2020, due to a gunshot wound. The incident occurred following a dispute over a stolen dirt bike. Johnson and his girlfriend had been driving around that morning, searching for his missing dirt bike. Their search led them to Tommy's Cycle shop on 10th Street, where they encountered Divien Colson and Broadus Peterkine Jr., both of Riviera Beach.
A confrontation ensued, during which Colson pulled out a gun. Peterkine then took the gun and pointed it at Johnson, prompting Johnson and his girlfriend to leave the scene. However, Colson and Peterkine pursued them on a dirt bike, and Peterkine fired shots from the rear seat, fatally wounding Johnson.
The case saw significant legal proceedings. Both Colson and Peterkine were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle. In August 2024, a jury found them guilty on all charges. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Colson and Peterkine conspired to kill Johnson, with Colson driving the dirt bike and Peterkine firing the shots. The defense challenged the credibility of the witnesses and the evidence presented, but the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution.
In November 2024, Circuit Judge Caroline Shepherd sentenced Colson and Peterkine to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Additionally, they received concurrent prison terms of 15 years for shooting into an unoccupied vehicle and five years for aggravated assault. The sentencing brought some closure to Johnson's family, although the defense attempted to overturn the verdict by filing motions for a new trial and an arrest of judgment, both of which were denied by the judge. The court concluded that the guilty verdict was supported by substantial, competent evidence, reaffirming the rulings made during the trial.
