Pensacola, FL — A 16-year-old Florida boy is dead after he was fatally shot during an argument at a homeless encampment.
The incident occurred on May 26 at the camp across the street from The Alfred-Washburn non-profit Center that offers hot meals and help to struggling community members.
Investigators say the teen and his friend went to the homeless encampment to buy meth and became upset when the victims told them that they did not have any drugs.
“It was determined that the deceased 16-year-old and another 16-year-old accomplice were in possession of firearms and had attempted to buy methamphetamines at a homeless camp,” the sheriff’s office said in a June 2 news release.
“Upon being told that no one at the homeless camp had any methamphetamines to sell, the two 16-year-olds pointed their firearm at two victims, threatening to steal their belongings. At this time, another male was called upon to assist the two victims.”
Witnesses told police the teens then pointed their guns at a third man who intervened and exchanged gunfire with him.
One of the teens was struck in the gunfire and taken to an area hospital where he died.
According to the report, the teens were in the wrong and the shooting was justified.
The second teen has been charged with third-degree felony murder, “two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, two counts of deadly missiles, and carrying a firearm,” officials said.