A St. Louis father, Daryl B. Clemmons, was convicted of assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of his son's youth football coach, Shaquille Latimore. The incident, which took place on Oct. 10, 2023, occurred during a practice session at Sherman Park and unfolded in the presence of nine- and ten-year-old football players. According to FOX2now, Clemmons and Latimore had been at odds over the amount of playing time Clemmons' son received on the City Rec Legends Football League team.
In details provided by First Alert 4, an argument broke out between the two men, both of whom were armed. However, Latimore reportedly handed his gun to a friend, suggesting that the dispute be settled with fists instead. It was then that Clemmons shot Latimore five times. Clemmons later turned himself into the authorities, with his sentencing scheduled for March 13.
Clemmons' defense rested on claims of self-defense, stating during the trial that Latimore brandished a firearm and hurled insults, making him fear for his life. As reported by St. Louis Today, Clemmons said he believed Latimore was reaching to retrieve his weapon, prompting him to act. "I was scared for my life," Clemmons said.
In contrast to Clemmons' account, Latimore claimed he never intended to use his gun during the altercation. I was "planning to shoot Clemons at all," Latimore said on St. Louis Today, stating he turned to run away after handing his weapon to another parent. Despite injuries to his leg, arm, back, and abdomen, Latimore survived the shooting.
