A 15-year-old Florida boy is accused of shooting his 14-year-old brother after that teenager fatally shot their 23-year-old sister as she sat outside with her baby on Christmas Eve, authorities said Tuesday.
Christmas Gift Feud Turns Violent
Two boys, aged 14 and 15, fought over Christmas gifts during a family shopping excursion, ending in a violent confrontation at their grandmother’s house in Largo. The siblings’ fight started during the shopping excursion and lasted at their grandmother’s. The scenario deteriorated when the 14-year-old threatened his elder brother with a semiautomatic weapon.
The younger brother was moved outdoors, and their sister, Abrielle Baldwin, was with her child by an uncle. Baldwin offered to intercede and requested that her brother settle quietly. The 14-year-old verbally attacked her and threatened her and her infant with the gun in response to his sister’s appeal.
Despite the baby’s safety, he shot Baldwin in the arm and chest.
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15-Year-Old Takes Matters Into His Own Hands After Brother’s Threat
The 15-year-old left the grandmother’s house with a semiautomatic pistol and shot his younger brother in the stomach in response to the threat. He escaped and dumped the firearm in a neighboring yard. Later, police arrested him at a family member’s residence.
The 14-year-old, who may face first-degree murder charges as an adult, is stable following surgery in Tampa. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old faces attempted first-degree murder and evidence-tampering charges. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department is investigating both minors’ vehicular burglary offenses.