HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (CBS12) — A Fourth of July trip from North Carolina to South Florida turned deadly when a 21-year-old man allegedly shot and killed a friend he had traveled with, leading to a first-degree murder charge.
The Hollywood Police Department said that Devian Blount, 21, is accused of fatally shooting 21-year-old Jaydon Williams during an altercation inside a residence on Funston Street shortly before 1 a.m. July 4. Investigators said the two men traveled to Hollywood from North Carolina with a group of friends before the dispute turned violent.
Officers responded to the home at approximately 12:52 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Williams suffering from gunshot wounds and began rendering aid. Hollywood Fire Rescue transported Williams to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:10 a.m., police said.
According to an arrest affidavit, Blount intentionally shot Williams multiple times, striking him in the left upper arm, left elbow and left side of the chest. Prosecutors charged Blount with first-degree murder with a firearm, alleging the shooting was carried out with premeditated intent.
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Homicide detectives took over the investigation and later located Blount. He was arrested and booked into the Broward County jail. Court documents indicate he is being held without bond pending a magistrate’s review.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hollywood Police Department at 954-764-4357 or 954-967-4567. Tips can also be submitted by email or text to hollywoodpdtips@hollywoodfl.org, or anonymously through Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or browardcrimestoppers.org.