Shomari Fuller, a 26-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on June 10, 2017, in Tallahassee, Florida. Fuller and 17-year-old Nakenya Richardson were found dead in a car parked at the Tyson Green condominium complex. Both victims had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the face, head, and body. The incident occurred during a drug deal gone wrong, where Fuller had allegedly sold fake codeine cough syrup to Thyland Jones, a 21-year-old man.
The Tallahassee Police Department
quickly launched an investigation into the double homicide. Thyland Jones was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. Two other men, Kassiem McNeill and Miguel Martinez, both 45 years old, were charged as accessories after the fact to first-degree murder. McNeill also faced charges of tampering with evidence and car burglary.
The investigation revealed that Fuller, who had a history of drug and weapons-related offenses, was known for carrying large amounts of money and drugs. On the night of the murder, a witness reported seeing a suspicious silver Ford sedan in the parking lot, followed by the sound of gunshots. Fuller and Richardson were found in a white Dodge Charger, which belonged to Fuller's mother. The car's front pocket was turned inside out, indicating a possible robbery.
The arrests were made after investigators combed through hundreds of pieces of evidence and interviewed all known witnesses. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of drug-related violence in Tallahassee, with law enforcement and community leaders calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of such crimes.
