Mertilian “Tilly” Mesinor, a 29-year-old Black male from Gifford, FL, was tragically killed on December 19, 2019. The incident occurred in the 4400 block of 35th Avenue, where Mesinor was fatally shot during a dispute over a $40 debt and a small amount of marijuana. The altercation began when Mesinor's younger brother, Loren Ford, who was working as a drug dealer for Delray Antonio Montaque, attempted to sell drugs independently near Montaque's residence.
This led to a heated argument between Ford and Montaque over the $40 debt. When Ford was unable to retrieve the money, he sought the help of his older brother, Mesinor.
The confrontation escalated outside Montaque's home, where Ford stood with Mesinor and his 3-year-old son, who was in a stroller. During the dispute, Mesinor threatened Montaque, stating that he would kill Montaque and his family. As Ford and Mesinor began to walk away, Montaque followed them in his truck, eventually exiting the vehicle and opening fire on the two men. Mesinor was struck by multiple bullets and later died at a hospital.
Delray Antonio Montaque, a 36-year-old Black male, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted second-degree murder with a firearm. During the trial, Loren Ford testified against Montaque, providing crucial evidence that led to Montaque's conviction. Montaque was found guilty of first-degree murder and received a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Mertilian Mesinor. Additionally, he was sentenced to a second life term for the attempted murder of Loren Ford.
The case also revealed that Montaque had attempted to influence witnesses by writing letters from jail, offering to pay them to provide false testimony or not to appear at the trial. This evidence further solidified the prosecution's case against Montaque, demonstrating his intent to manipulate the judicial process.
Mertilian Mesinor's death left a profound impact on his community, where he was remembered as a devoted father and a good person. The tragic incident highlighted the dangers of drug-related violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.
