In a case that has gripped the Kingsway West neighborhood, Daryl B. Clemmons, 45, has been found guilty of the October 10, 2023 shooting of Shaquille Latimore, 34, his son's football coach, amidst a feud over the child's playing time. The incident took place near a Sherman Park practice field, where children aged nine and ten were present.
According to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office, during the trial it emerged that Clemmons and Latimore, a volunteer coach for the City Rec Legends Football League, had been embroiled in disagreement over how much Clemmons' son played during games. The confrontation escalated during a practice session when Latimore, also armed, handed his weapon to someone else, suggesting they settle the argument with fists. Clemmons, however, chose to use his firearm, striking Latimore five times.
The jury convicted Clemmons of assault and armed criminal action. He now awaits sentencing scheduled for March 13. Chief Trial Attorney Marvin O. Teer Jr. and Assistant Circuit Attorney Michael Ware were the prosecutors in this case. "Violence, especially in youth sports, is completely unacceptable and undermines the purpose of these programs – teaching teamwork, discipline, and respect," Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said in a statement reported by local media. After the shooting, Clemmons fled the scene, only to later turn himself into the authorities that same evening, as per the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office.
This case has raised concerns over the presence of guns at children’s sporting events and has become a poignant example of the potential for violence when adults project their own ambitions and frustrations onto youth activities. Clemmons, at his conviction, stands as a symbol of a culture where disputes in realms meant for the growth and joy of children can devolve so violently.
