Derrick L. Curtis Jr., a 19-year-old from Tallahassee, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 3, 2017, in a shooting incident at the Tally Square apartment complex on South Magnolia Drive. The Tallahassee Police Department responded to the scene around 10:15 p.m. and found Curtis suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, Curtis succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting.
This incident was part of a series of violent events in Tallahassee during that period, contributing to a heightened sense of concern and urgency among local law enforcement and the community.
The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred during a drug deal that turned into an attempted robbery. Curtis and his roommate, Le'Keian Inarius Woods, had arranged to purchase marijuana from another individual at the apartment complex. However, the situation escalated when Woods allegedly signaled Curtis to initiate a robbery. Curtis pulled out a gun and began firing, prompting the other individual to return fire in self-defense. Curtis was fatally shot during this exchange.
Following the incident, law enforcement officials tracked Woods' cellphone to Jacksonville, Florida, where he was eventually arrested in Lake City on a warrant for second-degree murder. Woods, who was 18 at the time, was charged with felony murder because Curtis' death occurred during the commission of a felony. Woods was later transferred to the Leon County jail and held on a $50,000 bail. The State Attorney's Office decided not to prosecute the individual who sold the drugs, as his actions were deemed to be in self-defense.
The case highlighted the dangers associated with drug-related activities and the tragic consequences that can arise from such encounters. It also underscored the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to address and prevent violent crimes. The Tallahassee Police Department continued to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure safety and justice within the community.
