The Sarasota community is rallying around the family of Steven, a young man with a promising future, after a tragic incident that left him critically injured following an early morning shooting.
Steven, a disciplined and talented individual, was shot by a neighbor while on his routine 7 a.m. walk on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
According to accounts from Steven’s family and community supporters, the incident was not a random act of violence but the result of a confrontation initiated by the neighbor, who allegedly crossed over to Steven’s side of the road in an aggressive manner.
Evidence presented by the family indicates that the neighbor had previously made deadly threats toward Steven simply because he was “different,” and on that fateful morning, he used a loaded, unregistered firearm against an unarmed young man.
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The neighbor claimed self-defense, stating that Steven’s size made him fearful of imminent harm, thereby invoking Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting have prompted widespread concern that the law may have been misapplied in this case.
The family and community members argue that Stand Your Ground laws were never intended to provide a “shoot-to-kill free pass” for individuals who provoke encounters or manipulate narratives to justify violent actions.
Critics of the investigation, including Steven’s family, argue that the initial response by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) failed to fully consider critical evidence, allowing a potentially false narrative to take root.
A family spokesperson said,
“Steven deserves better. Steven deserves a jury,” . “No sheriff’s office should be allowed to dismiss a life based on biased, subjective impressions rather than a complete, thorough, and truthful investigation.”
Family Spokesperson
Steven was widely known in the community as a young man with many talents and interests.
Beyond his baseball training, he was actively developing software and pursuing music, while maintaining a disciplined daily routine that included early morning walks and workouts.
The family has called for a community gathering at the State Attorney’s Office, 2071 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL, to ensure that Steven’s story is heard and justice is pursued.
The event, held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, brought together family, friends, and community members who demanded transparency in the investigation.
Community response on social media has been overwhelmingly supportive. Paola Ann commented,
Liz your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for seeing Steven for who he truly was and for speaking the truth with such courage and love. Losing him has shattered us, but knowing that others are willing to stand beside us and fight for his justice gives us strength to keep going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ❤️🙏🏼🕊️
Paola Ann
Julie Hayes expressed her frustration and sorrow, stating,
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul! I am deeply sorry that the AG has done NOTHING to bring justice to Steven!!! I cannot wrap my mind around how this is not murder!! I pray Steven and Paola Ann and family get justice
Julie Hayes
Even those unable to attend the gathering sent messages of support. Anna Lucignani simply wrote, “Tesoro,” while Rachel Rudd Guzman shared,
So sorry we couldn’t make it today, but please know we are there in spirit
Rachel Rudd Guzman
Krista Dillon added,
This brought me to tears. 😢 I wish I didnt live so far away . i would have been there for you today. ❤️
Krista Dillon
Felicia Bisho praised the tribute, saying, “This was so perfectly said.”
As Sarasota grapples with the implications of this tragic event, the community continues to advocate for justice on behalf of Steven, emphasizing the importance of an unbiased, thorough investigation.
