Feliciano Sergio Sabates IV, affectionately known as 'Chany Boy,' tragically passed away on August 2, 2014, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. At the time of his death, Feliciano was preparing to enroll in Palm Beach State College. He was remembered as a gracious and kind young man with a huge heart, who loved spending time at the beach and hanging out with friends. His sudden death left a profound impact on his family and friends, who cherished his beautiful smile and warm personality.
The circumstances surrounding Feliciano's death were both tragic and accidental. On the evening of August 2, 2014, Palm Beach Gardens police responded to a call at an apartment on the 4000 block of Pinella Circle. Feliciano had been fatally shot by his friend, Julian DeSantis, who was 17 years old at the time. According to reports, DeSantis had been handling a 9mm handgun while under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. Initially, DeSantis falsely claimed that an unknown assailant had shot Feliciano, but he later confessed to accidentally discharging the weapon while pointing it at his friend.
The legal proceedings that followed were emotionally charged and complex. In August 2016, a jury found Julian DeSantis guilty of manslaughter, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a minor. During the trial, it was revealed that DeSantis had been showing off the handgun to a group of friends when the fatal shot was fired. The court heard heart-wrenching testimonies from Feliciano's family, who described the immense pain and loss they felt. Feliciano's stepfather, Leo Plasencia, spoke about the devastating impact on their family, emphasizing that both families involved were forever changed by the incident.
Judge Glenn Kelley, who presided over the case, acknowledged the difficulty of sentencing in such a tragic situation. He ultimately sentenced DeSantis to 10 years in prison, highlighting the need for accountability while recognizing the unintended nature of the crime. DeSantis expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating that he struggled with the guilt of causing his friend's death. The case underscored the dangers of mishandling firearms and the irreversible consequences that can arise from a moment of recklessness.
