2 Teens Accused Of Killing 17-Year-Old In Drug Meet Up: Sheriff

BARTOW, FL — Two 16-year-old Bartow boys face first degree murder charges after deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office accused them of killing 17-year-old Taigur Taguri Monday night at a local park.

According to detectives, at about 9:40 p.m., Taguri parked his truck at Gordon Heights Park near Bartow and waited to sell marijuana to someone he had been communicating with on social media. A female friend of his sat in the passenger seat.

Shortly after he parked his vehicle, several Black males walked over to his truck. One of the killers opened the driver side door, and another killer opened the passenger side door, investigators said. The victim was heard saying, "No," and "Don't." He was shot multiple times by both teen suspects.

After being wounded by bullets, Taguri crashed his truck into a fence, deputies said. His truck was stopped when it crashed into playground equipment. The suspects left, and the passenger called 9-1-1. Taguri was dead when officers got to the park, according to police.

Law enforcement officials said a total of three to four suspects were involved in the ambush. There are at least two or three others at large.

Detectives identified 16-year-old Jevon Berrien, Jr., as the person Taguri had been communicating with on social media. Investigators went to his house on Gause Street in Bartow. In addition to interviewing Berrien, they found another suspect, 16-year-old Margus Johnson hiding in his home. A Glock 9 mm handgun was found in Berrien's room, deputies said. FDLE tested the bullets, and lab results confirmed the shell casing found at the park matched the handgun and ammunition found inside his room. The law enforcement team also found numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, including a grinder, scale, and glass jar that had marijuana residue. In addition, a burnt marijuana cigar was found inside his room.

16-year-old Jevon Berrien, Jr.

• First degree murder
• Attempted armed robbery
• Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
• Unlawful possession by a minor of a firearm
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of paraphernalia

• First degree murder
• Attempted armed robbery
• Conspiracy to commit armed robbery

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
• Possession of paraphernalia

Original Patch Story:

A 17-year-old boy was killed during a drug deal Monday night at a Bartow park, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Taigur Taguri of Bartow, the victim, drove his red Chevrolet Silverado truck to Gordon Heights Park to conduct a marijuana just before 9:40 p.m., and he had a female friend with him, according to investigators. The female had been hanging out with him earlier in Lakeland. She told police she was unaware that he was going to do a drug deal when he asked her if he wanted to go for a ride. He disclosed the information to her after he parked his truck. It was then that several unknown Black males with guns walked to his truck, opened both doors and started shooting Taguri, deputies said.

Taguri was shot multiple times. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said it was a miracle the witness was not struck by any bullets. The killers left the area after the shooting, detectives said.

Deputies are seeking information about this homicide. If you have any information please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous.