LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Demetrius O'Neal has been found guilty in the July 2016 shooting that occurred during an "Under 18 Beach Party" at Club Blu in Fort Myers.
O'Neal was convicted by a jury on Friday afternoon. He was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy.
FOX 4's Bella Line takes us in to the courtroom for the jury's decision. Hear what he says to his family and friends before leaving:
A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered and O'Neal will be sentenced on Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. Until then, he has been ordered to remain in jail without bond.
“Violence will not be tolerated in Southwest Florida. We will find you no matter how many years it takes as evidenced in this case," said State Attorney Amira Fox after the verdict.
The shooting killed 18-year-old Stefan Strawder and 14-year-old Sean Archilles. Prosecutors said this was a gun battle between two gangs, and the two victims were caught in the crossfire.
“To the victims’ families, please know that the Fort Myers Police Department has never forgotten you or the young lives lost," said Chief Jason Fields, Fort Myers Police Department.
O'Neal is one of five people in the case. He denied a plea deal during a court proceeding in October.
In 2022, Kierra Russ was sentenced to life in prison. Tajze Battle and Don Loggins changed their plea to no contest in September.
“To be able to see justice and to know that there is some closure for people is just a really rewarding feeling," said Assistant State Attorney on the case Sara Miller.
The last suspect, Derrick Church, is expected to be back in court on Nov. 20. According to the defense, Church is also not interested in taking a plea deal.
