PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A robbery in St. Lucie West has turned into a homicide investigation after police confirmed that a teen victim, Antoine Meyers, has died from his injuries.
Meyers was one of two men from Georgia shot during what investigators describe as a pre-arranged meeting that turned violent on Saturday.
Following Meyers’ death, authorities have upgraded the charges against the two alleged gunmen, Norrien Casminski and Martravious Blue Junior, to second-degree murder, grand theft, and robbery with a firearm.
The driver of the vehicle, Sharlett Key, now faces upgraded charges of accessory to murder, in addition to robbery with a firearm and obstruction.
The investigation reveals that the victims and suspects were in contact before the shooting to coordinate an exchange. Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk stated that the suspects shifted their plans during the encounter.
“The suspects at some point realized that it was not in their best interest, and they figured they’d just rob our victims and take their money from them and the phones from them instead of going ahead and having the phones activated,” Chief Niemczyk said.
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Chief Niemczyk noted the inherent dangers of the suspects’ backgrounds, pointing out that both Casminski and Blue Junior have prior arrests for burglary, with Casminski also having a history of grand theft. “I think that when you live that type of lifestyle, and you engage other people who have criminal histories and pasts to do bidding for you, I think you’re taking unnecessary risks,” Niemczyk added.
While the second victim is expected to recover, the investigation continues to face several unanswered questions. It remains unclear why the Georgia residents were in Port St. Lucie for the unusual cellphone exchange or how they initially connected with the suspects. Police emphasized that this meeting was “pre-arranged” but have not provided further details on the method of contact.
Norrien Casminski remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Port St. Lucie Police Department immediately.