SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A planned robbery turned deadly in 2020, and now those responsible have been held accountable.
On August 16, 2024, a jury convicted Javarre Latrell Johnson, 20, and Ba’Karri Juan’Ya Williams, 21, of First-Degree Murder in the 2020 killing of 19-year-old David Lyons Jr. They were also found guilty of Armed Robbery and Possession of Cannabis.
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The verdict follows a trial where jurors reviewed evidence and expert testimony related to the April 2020 incident in Wildwood.
Wildwood Police responded to a shooting call and found Lyons deceased at the scene. Investigation revealed the defendants met Lyons with the intent to rob him, leading to the fatal shooting.
“The loss of this young life is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on a family and a community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child.”
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A third co-defendant, Lynum, pleaded guilty earlier this year and awaits sentencing. Assistant State Attorneys Joseph Church and Sonny McCathran prosecuted the case.
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