On August 8, 2024, an 11-year-old boy named Veondre Hargrove was fatally shot in a home in St. Petersburg, Florida. The incident occurred in the 4200 block of 11th Avenue South, where Hargrove was visiting a friend along with other young boys.
According to the police, the shooting resulted from an argument between Hargrove and a 14-year-old boy, identified as Gavin Lorenzo Santos-Brown. The argument escalated, leading to Hargrove being shot.
When police arrived at the scene around 9:42 p.m., they found Hargrove dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound.
Santos-Brown is currently being sought by the St. Petersburg Police Department for his connection to the shooting. He fled the scene on foot, and as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. The police are urging anyone with information about Santos-Brown's whereabouts to contact them.
The incident highlights concerns about gun safety and the involvement of young teenagers in violent incidents. It is part of a recent string of deadly violence involving young teens in the St. Petersburg area, including another accidental shooting in April and a random murder by a 14-year-old boy last month.
The community has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragedy, with neighbors and local residents calling for greater vigilance regarding gun security and the need to address how young individuals are accessing firearms. Counselors will be provided at Hargrove's school to support students and staff in the aftermath of the incident.
