In a recent development from Lakeland, Sheriff Grady Judd announced multiple arrests connected to a double-homicide that transpired on Monday. According to WFLA, the violent event began with 19-year-old Davin Boutwell driving a white Mercedes AMG which later crashed into a local residence on Pirates Way, the site where Boutwell was discovered with a fatal bullet wound.
Judd addressed the media today, stating that the incident was the result of a drug deal turned fatal robbery attempt. Riding a bicycle at the time, 38-year-old Nathaniel Jones became an unintended victim when Boutwell's bullet-riddled car, fleeing the scene, struck and killed him. This sequence of events took place around 1:30 p.m., Sheriff Judd's office reported, with Boutwell believed to be shot before losing control of his vehicle, as detailed by a FOX 13 news piece.
The investigation took a turn when homicide detectives discovered the deeper connection between Boutwell's drug activities and the meeting with the alleged perpetrators. The sheriff explained that the individuals near the Mercedes at the time of the incident fled the scene, including the one believed to be the shooter.
Jones, who was riding his electric bike, was struck by the out-of-control vehicle and was killed when it collided with the house. Speaking about the impact on the victim's family, Timothy Frasier, identified as Jones's cousin, shared with ABC Action News, "[He was] loving, caring, working, all about himself and kids." Frasier visited the crime scene in an effort to find closure, as he felt unable to reconcile the situation without seeing his cousin's body firsthand.
The investigation is ongoing, with detectives collecting video evidence. Sheriff Judd stated that the case highlights the presence of violence associated with the drug trade. "Now, for those of you who want to think that marijuana is low-level and nonviolent, you're just absolutely, totally out of your mind," Judd stated, as reported by ABC Action News.
