On July 21, 2024, a fatal shooting occurred outside Cru Lounge in the historic Northwood section of West Palm Beach, Florida, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Robert Milton. The incident happened in the early morning hours as the establishment was closing.
Kevin Datus, a 22-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Milton's death. According to witnesses, Milton was involved in a physical altercation where he punched another man.
Following this, Datus opened fire on Milton. The shooting was captured by the Shotspotter system, which recorded 20 shots being fired in two bursts: six shots initially, followed by 14 more seven seconds later. A total of 18 shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Datus was apprehended after he voluntarily went to the police station, claiming he had information about the shooting. Upon arrival, he admitted to his role in the incident, stating that he was worried about his safety and did not want people to know who he was. Surveillance footage showed Milton and another individual involved in a fight before the shooting, and a third person, identified as Datus, approaching and firing six times at Milton.
The police found Datus' handgun and cell phone near the scene. Datus had returned to the police station to retrieve his cell phone, at which point he was arrested and booked into the county jail. Milton's brother informed investigators that Milton owned a security guard business and worked as a security guard, and that he normally kept a gun in his BMW SUV, though no bullet was in the chamber at the time of the incident.
The investigation and subsequent arrest were facilitated by the Shotspotter system and surveillance cameras in the area, which helped to piece together the events leading to Milton's death. Datus is currently facing charges for his involvement in the fatal shooting.
