Florida Teen Arrested for Murdering Sister During Christmas Gift Dispute, Authorities Confirm
14-year-old charged with murder after fatal shooting during Christmas gifts dispute, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s office
A 14-year-old is facing murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing his older sister during a family argument over Christmas presents, according to Tampa Bay area authorities.
The 15-year-old brother has also been charged with attempted murder for reportedly shooting his younger brother in response to the incident involving their sister, 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office announced.
The conflict started when the siblings, their mother, and Baldwin's two children were shopping for Christmas presents on Christmas Eve and began arguing about the unequal distribution of gifts. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that the 15-year-old felt that his brother was receiving more gifts, leading to a heated argument in the store. According to Gualtieri, the family had a dispute about gift allocation and spending, resulting in a big argument between them.
The family proceeded to their grandmother's home in Largo after leaving the store, where the argument persisted. According to the sheriff, Baldwin urged the 14-year-old to cease arguing due to it being Christmas. At one point, the 14-year-old brandished a 40-caliber handgun, directing it at his brother and making threats to shoot him, as per Gualtieri. After Baldwin intervened, he then aimed the gun at her and threatened to shoot her and her 11-month-old child, who she was holding in a carrier.
The teenager shot Baldwin in the chest while she was holding the baby carrier, as stated in the report. Afterward, the 15-year-old proceeded to use another handgun to shoot his brother before fleeing the scene, according to the sheriff. The teen was subsequently located at a relative's residence in Clearwater, nearby.
Upon arrival at the scene of the shooting, deputies discovered the younger brother and Baldwin with individual gunshot wounds, as stated in the release. Baldwin was taken to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Her 11-month-old son was unharmed during the incident, according to Gualtieri.
The younger brother was also brought to a hospital and was reported to be in stable condition, confirmed by authorities.
The release states that the 14-year-old is facing charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and being in possession of a firearm as a delinquent. The 15-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. According to the sheriff, both teens have prior criminal records. It is currently unknown whether they have legal representation.
