Mark Pointer, a 25-year-old African American male from Saint Petersburg, FL, was fatally shot on the night of August 16, 2016. Mark, who was also known by his stage name Benzo YB Ferrari, was a rapper from Tampa. The incident occurred near the St. Petersburg Public Library, where police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Mark Pointer and another individual, Julius Buchanan, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to Bayfront Hospital, where Mark Pointer succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
The investigation into Mark Pointer's death led to the arrest of Neville Allen Chambers, also known as Fayd the God, a 22-year-old African American male and fellow rapper from St. Petersburg. Chambers was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pointer's death. The two had previously collaborated on music projects and performed together at local shows. Chambers had a history of legal issues, including charges of resisting an officer without violence and trespassing in 2014 and 2015.
Authorities continued to investigate the case, seeking additional suspects involved in the shooting. The incident was part of a broader pattern of violence in the area, with another unrelated shooting occurring on the same night, resulting in the death of Lerry Danny Marius, a 25-year-old male from St. Petersburg.
The legal proceedings against Neville Allen Chambers were ongoing, with the possibility of him facing the death penalty if convicted. The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of local musicians and the tragic loss of a young artist.
