Matthew Sheldon Cox Jr., a 19-year-old from Montclair, Florida, tragically lost his life on July 28, 2012, due to gun violence. On that fateful night, Matthew was standing in front of his home when a young man approached him and demanded money. Despite complying and handing over everything he had, Matthew attempted to flee into his house. The assailant, however, pursued him and fired two bullets through the door, one of which struck Matthew in the heart, leading to his untimely death.
Matthew was known for his charismatic personality and had aspirations of becoming an underwater welder. His death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and community, who continue to grapple with the grief and loss.
The investigation into Matthew's murder led to the arrest of Bennie Louis Robbins III, who was 19 at the time. Robbins was identified as a suspect through DNA evidence found at the scene. Approximately three weeks after the shooting, Robbins was apprehended during a traffic stop, where he was found in a stolen vehicle with the murder weapon and drugs. Robbins was charged with premeditated first-degree murder, grand theft auto, and possession of a controlled substance. In January 2014, an Escambia County jury found Robbins guilty of these charges.
The trial revealed that Robbins had approached Matthew outside his home around midnight, demanded money, and shot him through the front door when he tried to escape. The evidence presented during the trial, including the DNA match and the recovery of the murder weapon, led to Robbins' conviction. In April 2014, Circuit Judge Terry Terrell sentenced Robbins to life in state prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. This sentence brought some measure of justice to Matthew's family, although the pain of their loss remains.
Matthew's mother, Cindy Martin, has since become an advocate for justice and gun violence prevention. She has attended numerous city and county meetings, advocating for equal justice and support for gun violence survivors. Her efforts are a testament to her enduring love for her son and her commitment to ensuring that his death was not in vain. The community continues to remember Matthew and support Cindy in her mission to create a safer environment for future generations.
