Tywan Jeremiah Armstrong, aged 39, tragically lost his life on January 21, 2019, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Armstrong was a victim of a brutal murder that occurred on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The incident took place in front of a large crowd at a gas station, where Armstrong was shot multiple times while sitting in his car. The assailants used an AR-15 rifle and a .40 caliber pistol, resulting in Armstrong being shot 28 times. Despite the immediate response from the St.
Petersburg Police Department and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, Armstrong succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into Armstrong's death revealed a complex murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Kermon Williams, also known as "The General." Williams, who saw Armstrong as a threat to his drug business, hired James Higgs Jr., known as "Hammer," and Jhaphre Higgs, known as "Pre," to carry out the murder. Williams compensated the Higgs brothers with cash and drugs and provided them with the weapons used in the crime. The plot to kill Armstrong was not the first attempt; on September 22, 2018, the Higgs brothers had previously tried to murder Armstrong, but the AR-15 rifle jammed, allowing Armstrong to survive that attempt.
The trial for the murder of Tywan Armstrong and Roger Lee Ford Jr., who was also killed in the same incident, concluded with the conviction of Williams, James Higgs Jr., and Jhaphre Higgs. The jury found them guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for hire, drug conspiracy, and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, the Higgs brothers were convicted of being felons in possession of ammunition. The sentencing for the convicted individuals was scheduled for September 27, 2022, with each facing a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years and up to life in federal prison.
This case highlights the severe consequences of drug-related violence and the lengths to which individuals involved in illegal activities will go to eliminate perceived threats. The murder of Tywan Armstrong serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the drug trade and the impact such violence has on communities. The successful prosecution of the perpetrators underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to bring justice to the victims and their families.
