Shaquille Purifoy, a 20-year-old African American male from Pensacola, Florida, tragically lost his life on June 13, 2014. Shaquille was shot in the head in the 8400 block of Country Walk Drive and succumbed to his injuries the following day at Sacred Heart Hospital. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., and despite being rushed to the hospital via trauma alert, he could not be saved.
Shaquille Purifoy was a well-known local athlete who had played both football and basketball at Pine
Forest High School and later continued his football career at Grambling State University. His death sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their grief and condolences on social media.
The investigation into Shaquille Purifoy's death led to the arrest of Xavier Tyrone Moore, a 40-year-old African American male. Moore was charged with third-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the State Attorney's Office, Moore was sitting on the trunk of a car with a loaded .38 caliber Derringer pistol in his lap. When he got up, the pistol fell to the ground and discharged, striking Shaquille in the head and causing a fatal wound.
Moore, who had a lengthy criminal record including robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony battery, and multiple drug offenses, was convicted by an Escambia County jury in June 2015. He was sentenced to 25 years in state prison by Circuit Judge Linda Nobles. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Alvin “Trey” Myers, and the investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.
Shaquille Purifoy's death was a significant loss to his family and the Pensacola community. His promising athletic career and vibrant personality were remembered fondly by those who knew him. The legal proceedings that followed sought to bring justice for his untimely death, highlighting the tragic consequences of gun violence and the importance of accountability.
