Justin Scott VanMeter, a 28-year-old resident of Lake Worth, Florida, tragically lost his life on July 9, 2017. VanMeter, who worked as a server at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Boynton Beach, was fatally shot in an alleyway near the Hypoluxo Food Market. The incident occurred after VanMeter had received a $100 tip from his shift, which investigators believe may have been the motive for the robbery and subsequent shooting.
On the night of the incident, VanMeter was seen on surveillance footage entering the Hypoluxo Food Market, where he encountered Jean Mary Marcherno. The two men shook hands and exchanged words before VanMeter left the store and walked into the alleyway. Moments later, Marcherno followed him, accompanied by McIntosh Pierre-Paul, who was driving a white Mazda registered to Angela Lavallo. As VanMeter walked into the alley, Marcherno shot him, and the Mazda quickly fled the scene. VanMeter managed to stumble back to the front of the store, where he sought help, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to Delray Medical Center.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals: Jean Mary Marcherno, McIntosh Pierre-Paul, and Angela Lavallo. Marcherno, identified as the shooter, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed robbery and was sentenced to 40 years in state prison. Pierre-Paul, who acted as the getaway driver, was found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery. He received a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. Lavallo, who was present in the vehicle during the crime, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and served three years in prison.
The case highlighted the senseless nature of the crime, as VanMeter was targeted for a relatively small amount of money. The trial revealed that Pierre-Paul had turned off the vehicle's lights as they approached VanMeter in the alleyway and failed to call 911 or render assistance after the shooting. Despite Pierre-Paul's claims of being an unwilling participant, the evidence showed his active involvement in the crime. The tragic loss of Justin VanMeter left a profound impact on his family, including his fiancée and their young son, as well as the community that mourned the untimely death of a young father and dedicated worker.
