The sentencing of Demetrius O’Neal, convicted for the murders of two teenagers during a mass shooting at Club Blu in 2016, is set to take place today.
A jury found O’Neal guilty in October, and a judge will now determine his fate in Fort Myers.
O’Neal’s conviction represents a step toward justice for 14-year-old Sean Archilles and 18-year-old Stefan Strawder, the two teens killed during the shooting.
O’Neal was the second person involved in the incident to go on trial.
In 2022, Kierra Russ was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her role in the shooting, where she acted as a lookout and signal to other members at the club. Two men accepted plea deals, and one man is still awaiting trial.
During the trial, police described the night as “mass hysteria” as Club Blu hosted a swimsuit party for young people.
Former Fort Myers Chief of Police Derrick Diggs said it was one of the most tragic incidents in Fort Myers in the year following the shooting. O’Neal was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder.
A witness shared the physical injuries she endured, saying, “I had a hole in my neck and arm and a through-and-through on the left shin. A gunshot wound.”
On Monday, as the judge decides O’Neal’s sentencing, WINK News will be present in the courtroom to provide updates. O’Neal faces a potential life sentence, similar to Kierra Russ, who was convicted in 2022 for her role in the event.