LaShawna Stevenson-Weeks, aged 27, tragically lost her life on January 13, 2017, in Bradenton, Florida. She was found shot to death alongside Berry Joseph, aged 32, in what was later determined to be a double homicide. The incident occurred in the 5200 block of 15th Street Court East, where both victims were discovered with gunshot wounds. Stevenson-Weeks was found inside a Ford Explorer, having sustained three gunshot wounds, two to the head and one to the shoulder. The initial investigation revealed broken glass at the scene, which was not from the Explorer, suggesting that one of the bullets had passed through Stevenson-Weeks and struck the windshield of another vehicle involved in the incident.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Andrew Thompson, a 22-year-old Bradenton resident, who was charged with two counts of second-degree murder. Thompson was identified as the suspect after a witness positively identified him as the shooter. Further evidence linked him to the crime, including the alteration of his girlfriend's car, a gray four-door Pontiac G6, which was used during the homicide. Detectives found remnants of broken glass inside the vehicle, corroborating the theory that the car was involved in the shooting. Thompson was held without bond following his arrest, and the case against him was bolstered by testimonies and forensic evidence.
In addition to the murder charges, Thompson was implicated in a broader criminal enterprise involving multiple individuals. A federal racketeering case was brought against Thompson and six other men from Manatee County, alleging their involvement in various violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, arson, robbery, and drug trafficking. The indictment detailed a series of criminal activities aimed at furthering their illegal operations, with Thompson specifically accused of multiple murders, including the killings of Stevenson-Weeks and Joseph. This case was part of a larger effort by law enforcement to dismantle violent criminal organizations in the area, highlighting the extensive and coordinated nature of the investigation.
The tragic death of LaShawna Stevenson-Weeks and the subsequent legal proceedings underscore the severity of the crime and the determined efforts of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violent crime on communities and the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating such threats.
