A 25-year-old veteran was shot dead in Florida a day after trying to break up an altercation on a basketball court, according to his family.
Robert Shealey Jr. was shot on April 17 in Winter Park, in the Orlando area. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office told The Independent that deputies responded to the incident at 8.30 pm, before Shealey Jr. and another man were raced to the hospital.
Shealey Jr. was later pronounced dead, while the other man, who had also suffered gunshot wounds, was listed as being in a stable condition.
The victim’s family told WKMG that Shealey Jr. had served in the National Guard for four years. His mother, Chiniqua “Star” Williams, said that her son was known for de-escalating conflict.
“He kept trying to help everywhere he went, and he tried to diffuse an argument or fight,” she said. “Then this young man comes in and guns my baby down like a terrorist.”
His father, Robert Shealey Sr., told the outlet that he had not slept for three days in the wake of his son’s death.
“He was at the basketball court…he wasn’t at a club, he wasn’t in a gang,” Shealey Sr. said. “He was where he was supposed to be, just shooting ball.”
In a separate interview with WFTV, Shealey Sr. said that his son was dedicated to keeping children out of trouble. He believes that Shealey Jr. was doing just that before his death.
“He told me, ‘Dad, if I can get just one or two and let them know this thing out here in the streets ain’t about it,’” he said. “’I’d say, son, you can’t help everybody.’
“He said, ‘Dad, but if I can get one or two, I’m good.’”
According to his family, Shealey Jr. left the National Guard after he was injured in the line of duty. He had planned to attend Seminole State College in the upcoming school year.
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The OCSO told The Independent on Monday that the investigation is ongoing but still in the early stages.
In the meantime, Shealey Sr. told WESH that he believes “justice has to be served.”
Local Pastor Jake Stovall joined the family’s demands for justice, having experienced loss caused by gun violence himself. Six years ago, his daughter, Renisha Lee, was killed when a bullet went through her mobile home.
“This is a senseless death,” Stovall said, referring to Shealey Jr.’s killing. “We are all hurt and devastated because this continues to happen.”
The family says they plan to hold a candlelight vigil and a balloon release on Monday at 6.30pm. Attendees have been asked to bring red balloons and to wear red in Shealey Jr.’s honor.
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