LARGO, FL – A family argument over Christmas presents resulted in an extreme case of domestic violence in Largo, Florida. Authorities arrested two young brothers after one fatally shot his sister and the other shot him in retaliation on Christmas Eve.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that the 14-year-old boy had been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse for allegedly shooting his 23-year-old sister, Abrielle Baldwin, in the chest. Additionally, the boy’s 15-year-old brother was charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting the younger sibling after witnessing the murder.
The local sheriff’s office stated that Baldwin and the younger brother were found with gunshot wounds on Dec. 24, in a Largo residence. The siblings were rushed to the hospital, where the elder sister died of her injuries. The younger brother is reportedly in stable condition.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed the initial findings of the investigation, which indicated a family fight had been ignited over shopping for Christmas gifts. The younger brother had allegedly been resentful about their mother purchasing more gifts for the elder brother. This argument continued back at the family’s grandmother’s house, where it reportedly escalated into a violent encounter.
The 14-year-old is accused of shooting Baldwin after she tried to intervene in the argument. Upon witnessing the event, the elder brother allegedly shot the younger before fleeing the home, discarding the gun, and heading to another family member’s house. The gunfire weapon has not been recovered, but the police have located the one used in Baldwin’s murder.
According to Gualtieri, the brothers often carried guns, which they obtained through car burglaries or by purchasing them on the street, a growing problem in the area. He stressed the need for stricter laws to deter young individuals from recklessly possessing and using firearms.