De'Aundre Roberts, a 21-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 23, 2018, in Brooksville, Florida. The incident occurred during a drug deal that went awry at the Coney Island Restaurant. De'Aundre Roberts and Napoleon Mason had arranged to purchase three pounds of marijuana for $8,000 from Anthony J. Borzell, a 24-year-old Spring Hill native. However, the transaction quickly escalated into a violent confrontation when Borzell suspected that Roberts and Mason intended to rob him.
As the situation deteriorated, Borzell, who was seated in Mason's vehicle, drew a 9mm handgun and fired 11 shots at the car. One of the bullets struck De'Aundre Roberts in the back. Despite Mason's efforts to drive away and later drop Roberts off at Bayfront Health Brooksville, Roberts succumbed to his injuries. The police investigation revealed that no cannabis or firearms were found at the scene, and the altercation was deemed a result of a botched robbery attempt.
Following the incident, Anthony J. Borzell was arrested and charged with third-degree murder, criminal solicitation, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. He was booked into the Hernando County jail with a bail set at $37,000. The case highlighted the dangers associated with illegal drug transactions and the tragic consequences that can arise from such encounters. The community of Brooksville mourned the loss of De'Aundre Roberts, a young man whose life was cut short by violence.
