Latest Headlines
- Escambia BOCC To Install Four Commissioners, New Chair And Vice-Chair
- Week Begins Sunny, Then Rain Before A Big Cool Down
- Homeowner Reportedly Opens Fire On Known Attackers In Bratt Assault
- FPL Seeks To Raise Bills For All Of 2025 To Cover Hurricane Costs; Here’s How Much
- Capt. Chandra Newman Assumes Command Of NAS Pensacola
- Tate Falls To Nease In Playoff Opener (With Photo Gallery)
- Byrneville Elementary School Names Students Of The Month
- High School Football Playoffs Scoreboard
- Cat Country 98.7 Is The 2024 CMA Radio Station Of The Year (With Gallery)
- Gonzalez Man Gets Two Life Sentences For Abusing Children
Jay Man Guilty Of Murdering Brewton Teen
May 11, 2011
A Jay man has been found guilty of second degree murder in the shooting death of a Brewton teen at a 2010 party.
Robert Franklin Floyd was found guilty Wednesday afternoon of second degree murder and discharging a firearm into a moving vehicle. Floyd shot into a vehicle occupied by four people on February 27, 2010, killing 18-year old Getyron Lopez Benjamin of Brewton. Floyd now faces up to life in prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set.
During a bonfire party, a vehicle occupied by four people — Benjamin, Gerald Banton, Timothy Smith and Tiffanie Pate — arrived Floyd’s home on Country Mill Road.
The four people exited the vehicle and got into a verbal altercation with Floyd, according to a statement released by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office the day following the incident.
“Floyd stated that the subjects were there uninvited. Floyd requested that the subjects leave the premises, and words were exchanged between Floyd and the subjects from Brewton. The subjects refused to leave, at which time Floyd allegedly pushed one of the…males and told them once again to leave,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Floyd told Santa Rosa deputies that the male subject he pushed pulled out a handgun. Floyd he said he retrieved a rifle from his truck, and then he heard gunshots in the direction of the vehicle from Brewton. He also said he saw a muzzle flash coming from their direction.
Banton testified that he revealed a revolver for which he holds a concealed weapons permit. Testimony indicated that he fired the revolver into the air, but not in the direction of Floyd, as they were leaving the party. There were, according to testimony, six shots fired from the vehicle while Floyd fired five.
There were two shots that hit the vehicle, one striking Benjamin in the back seat. He was driven to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton where he was pronounced dead.
Comments
82 Responses to “Jay Man Guilty Of Murdering Brewton Teen”
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. —James 1:2–4
Both families are going through a trial right now and these comments are ridiculous! Lets be civil, because no matter what is said on here it will neither bring Gus back nor set Robert free. Prayers people, Prayers! God is the mastermind and everything happens for a reason. Somehow, one day all this will make sense and it will all be ok. I’ll be keeping Faith along with praying for some of these hateful comments. God Bless(:
@Saddened Jay Resident – I will tell you the same thing that I told the last person I am entitled to have an opinion just like you!!!! I am not sorry that it is not what you want to read!!!! I have seen many comments about this topic never once have I singled out anyone!!!! I am not getting joy from anyones pain… But I will say this I am happy that this was not swept out into the cow pastures!!! I Understand that you are all for Mr. Floyd…. There for you would not like what my OPINION is… The FACT of the matter is he was WRONG!!!! For you to say a young man lost his life due to bad judgement is like you saying its his fault that he was killed really sickens me!!!!!! I dont have to explain my opinions to you and no one else or that matter!!!! We do live in America where you have the right to speak whats on your mind!!! I am not sorry that I am not jumping on the wagon of Mr.Floyd nor is over half of the other people that has left comments about the good ole boy being WRONG!!!!! Dont feel sorry for my kids my children are great!!!!!
This is mainly for the person going under the name “Happy Jay Citizen”. I feel sorry for you, to see you getting so much joy from this is disgusting. A young man lost his life because he made a bad decision, a young man is going to jail for another bad decision. You are celebrating this, your getting off on othe people’s sorrow and pain. You said you raised your kids to respect yet your disrespectful, your throwig a party on other people’s pain. You taught them every action has a reaction, this hardheaded bickering back and forth with anyone who disagrees with you is a reaction to your behavior, the hate they are showing you is the hate your showing us. I feel sorry for your children, do as I say not as I do seems to be your motto, that is no way to raise children. My condolences. Why don’t you try being understanding and compassionate, people have lost loved ones, a friend is going to jail because of a chain reaction, they are in pain. I’d hate to see you at a funeral, you are the type to dance on the grave.
Justice was not served here, a young man died because of bad judgement, because of his bad judgement and the bad decisions that followed another is going to jail. I fail to see any reason to celebrate or claim victory. My prayers are with the Floyd Family and with Robbie. I will also keep the people on here celebrating in my prayers.
ITS SAD HOW PEOPLE WANT TO DEFEND ROBBIE, BECAUSE IF HE WOULD’VE KILLED A WHITE GUY ON HIS PROPERTY… HE WOULDN’T BE AN INSPIRATION TO U, AND MUDER IS MURDER. IF GUS WOULD’VE KILLED ROBBIE HE WOULD’VE PROBABLY GOT THE DEATH PENALTY. I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY BLACKS, AND WHITES CANT GET ALONE… THE CRAP IS GETTING OLD. IT’S A SHAME HOW SOMEBODY HAS TO DIE WHILE TRYING TO HAVE FUN…
ALL OF THIS GOING BACK AND FORTH IS IRRELEVENT!!!!! GROW UP EVERY1…. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON SO LET IT BE LIKE THAT, DANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GUS IS TRUELY MISSED AND THE MAN FLOYD WILL BE TRUELY MISSED TOO, BUT HEY ATLEAST YALL CAN GO VISIT FLOYD…. R.I.P GUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (((((KEEPING IT REAL)))))
It is utterly ridiculous reading some of the comments concerning this unfortunate incident. Anybody with good sense knows that Floyd is guilty of this crime. There are no circumstances that can prove otherwise. A Jury of his peers found him guilty BEYOND
Once again
God knows the truth
And only truth shall set you free
I pray for all who are blind and
for those who suffered through this tragedy
The comments to this article has absolutely amazed me in reading the reactions to the verdict. People trying to say he is innocent, people trying to play the race card, and so on. Just how may excuses can you make for a wrong? It is simply not justifiable based on the deterimnation of the jury based on the factual evidence taht was presented.
All the stuff about race has noting to do with this there are two young men who have and are going to pay for this. One paid with his life and the other for the rest of his life You must understand when a bullet is fired it does not care who you are or what color you are it just does it’s job. Kind of like the evidence that was shown to the jury who convicted. For some who seem to forget it there still are right’s and a wrong’s in life. If we did not have rights and wrongs in life we could not surive. Which is why they are called laws which regulate things of which might I add are made up by the people for the people. Just in case you have forgotten or did not know. Just saying.
isn’t it funny how someone is convicted of a crime, their family ALWAYS gets on here and says they are innocent and no one knows what they are talking about? Go read about the shooting at piggly wiggly and all of the other stories about people on here….no one but the family members gets on and says they are innocent, even if they have been proven to be guilty…..
Well said WORRIED RESIDENT!!!!! Seems like they all find GOD or Allah!!!!! But once they get settled in they throw it out the window!!!!
Surely those of you talking about a new trial, know that there has to be a reason for a new trial. You don’t just get one because you ask for one.
Anyway, Floyd has killed someone, and has been found guilty. He will be sentenced in the near future. Those are he facts! This was a senseless act, now one guy is dead and the other is on his way to prison.
I worked in the prison system for 10 LONG years. Most of the guys come in with the “religion” they got when they were trying to be found not guilty, or to get a lighter sentence. They soon throw it out of the window, and become the “hellians” they were when they commited the crimes.
I have learned that you can do something in an instance, that will change you for a lifetime!
Thank GOD for the kindness that was shown by Gus’s mom and his step grandmother I know it had to be hard. These two woman’s showed that with GOD there no wrong in showing kindness. We spoke with them both in court room most every day.It was not a day the Robbie’s mom or Robbie’s granddad Jerry Floyd didn’t get a hello or a hug. That in its self tells you just how GOD can move in your life.We thank them both for that. MAY GOD BLESS THEM BOTH . And the Benjamin family as well as Floyd family.
Thank God for Gus’s mon and step grandmother.We talked to them both, it was not a day in court that Robbie mom and these i VERY NICE womans didn’t speak,exchange kind words, and often hug. That also was the same exchange th Robbie’s grandfather Mr. Jerry Floyd received. May GOD BLESS THIS STEP GRANDMOTHER AND THE WHOLE BENJAMIN FAMILY.
Thank you Jesus that your dying wasn’t in vain. Robbie took his sins to cross of calvary and was bathed in the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus forgave him of his sins! What a purification! What a justification! Robbie was resurrected a new creature in the likeness of Holy God. What a Savior! Bless his holy name! God is still in control of the situation.Do not let yourselves be blind to the fact. If you should ever find yourselves in a like manner as Robbie, Jesus will bath you as well. He’s our ever present help in a time of trouble. You won’t find “Man” to be of such. People get ready for the coming of the son of man for in the hour that you think not, he ’s going to appear no matter where you are. In the jail cell, side walk, walmart, hotel, bar room, or bathroom. BE READY TO MEET JESUS.
I pose a question to anyone that would consider it – WHY did the occupants of the vehicle lie under oath on more than one occasion about the fact that there was a handgun in the vehicle and that it had been fired from the vehicle? These are now established facts – GSR was found in the vehicle and on the person of Gerald Banton and Gus Benjamin. They only admitted this when they knew they were safe from prosecution – they won’t even be prosecuted for perjury, tampering with evidence.
Also, they kept justifying Gerald’s action due to the fact that he had an Alabama concealed carry permit. That is all well and good, but the ccp is not a license to break the law. He shouldn’t have had the firearm in his possession while under the influence of alcohol (his own admission), he should not have fired from a vehicle. The permit holder is still required to act responsibly. This behavior could result in revocation of the permit. Simple fact is that Gerald acted irresponsibly and should be held accountable for his actions. State prosecutor gave him a free pass – what a miscarriage of justice. Why is this so?
O he gave his life to christ. He saved now. He is the best thing since sliced bread.. Before all this happen was anyone saying this about the good ol boy Floyd? I think not. He was a waste in your eyes!!!! But its sad how u can kill and people start looking up to u!!! He once again did WRONG… The only diff this time is that it was not swept under the rug!!!!! Gothem and its plenty more waste to take off the streets WHITE and BLACK!!!!! I dont care what someones race is wrong is wrong!!
T on May 12th, 2011 9:14 pm – Police and Correction Offciers must follow use of force guidelines and the basic premise is that your level of force must escalate and de-escalate as the subjects force does so. The fact that the shooters were leaving the premises (de-escalating) puts Robbie on thin ice and is why he was convicted. Robbie’s right to self-defense with DEADLY force ended when the folks decided to leave the yard. Unfortunately this is a lose lose situation and emotionally charged.
Benjamin on May 12th, 2011 7:38 pm -Gerald shot first…but not at anyone and in the air WHEN he was driving away!
To T, You are correct about Use of Force guidelines. I am also familiar with Use of Force guidelines. However, that is where you and I agree. It is true that they were in their vehicle, but by Gerald’s own admission he fired his handgun from the vehicle. And if you see, Benjamin commented that he was in court also and he and I both agree that it was established that Gerald shot first. So, the vehicle was still a credible threat. This would lead a reasonable person to believe that the situation had in fact no de-escalated. I pose a question to you – If they were truly leaving the area at the point that they got to the vehicle why did they stay long enough for him to retrieve his rifle and RETURN fire? Why was there an exchange of gunfire until both firearms were completely empty? They should have been more concerned with the fact that Gerald escalated the situation to deadly force. You, by your own admission, are familiar with the Use of Force matrix -Gerald pulled the first gun, Gerald fired first. So, was Gerald LAWFULLY entitled to stand his ground at that point? The only correct answer should be NO. However, Robbie, was LEGALLY entitled to.
i met robbie at a church fundraiser and relise he was a wonderful person ,,,finding his way closer to the lord .. also seen him at his church and i know it was a bad incodent that happend ,, i will continue to pray for all involed ,,,,godspeed recovery for everyone ,,
COME TO MY HOUSE START STUFF PULL OUT A GUN HECK YEAH ID FIRE BACK SORRY SOMEONE WAS KILLED BUT PLA WITH FIRE U WILL GET BURNED I COULDNT OF BEEN ON THAT JURY I WOULD OF SAID NOT GUILTY SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT
@ AMANDA- IT SEEM AS THOUGH YOU DON’T LIKE TO HEAR WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY UNLESS IT’S WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR….MAYBE YOU SHOULDN’T BE ON HERE COMMENTING*** JUSTICE WAS SERVED!!!! I’M PRETTY SURE THE JURY AND JUDGE WAS PICKED CAREFULLY!!! AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT SAY FLOYD IS A CHANGED MAN (ACCEPTING GOD INTO HIS LIFE) THAT’S WONDERFUL, BUT EVERYONE TENDS TO WANT TO GET SAVED WHILE IN JAIL, & GETS OUT DOING THE SAME OLD THING… SO, MAYBE IF HE DOES GET OUT, MAYBE HE’LL THINK MORE CAREFULLY (IF HE’S PUT IN A SIMILAR SITUATION AGAIN) BEFORE HE ACT ON IT!!!! I’M SURE GUS IS RESTING PEACEFULLY NOW!!!!
Police and Correction Offciers must follow use of force guidelines and the basic premise is that your level of force must escalate and de-escalate as the subjects force does so. The fact that the shooters were leaving the premises (de-escalating) puts Robbie on thin ice and is why he was convicted. Robbie’s right to self-defense with DEADLY force ended when the folks decided to leave the yard. Unfortunately this is a lose lose situation and emotionally charged.
For everyone thats on here talking about robbie is innocent: Why don’t we all put up some cash to get him a real lawyer instead of a public pretender?? It’s this simple…if someone pulled into my yard, pulled a gun -fired or not- they will get shot. Sitting around talking about it isn’t going to get robbie out of jail. If anyone is interested in that, post a comment. We will go to his parents and get him a lawyer that can get him out of this.
To everyone that feels as though you know what happened SHUT UP! No comment needed from you! I understand that you feel as though you know because of what you heard! But in any case you are wrong. If you weren’t there to see it then any statement is untrue or fabricated. He say she say! He was my family. Not the starter of the altercation. Not the shooter of the gun. He was a passenger in a car with a group of hot heads! JAIL! Please its nothing! He will be visited and receive letters. But Gus! Will never be able to be seen or heard from again! Justice is served to a certain extent! After sentencing we will find out. And to the people that keep saying nothing wrong get on your knees and pray as I am that you never know what this feels like. Bc saying he wasn’t aiming at anyone is extremely ignorant weren’t the people in the car he was aiming at? SMH! Police aren’t even allowed to shoot at someone running away for the person that calls themself educated! Because once your back is turned and you’re going in the opposite direction you’re no longer a threat.
well dude does it matter were it was DUDE!!!! And yea Gerald really isnt that innocent but he did what he did because Robbie was shooting!
I would like to say thank you to Gus’s mom & grandmother for being so kind to the mother of Robbie during the trial proceedings. I personally spoke to them both and gave them a hug…..both of them ladies have forgiven Robbie. So I will say this much that the LORD is great. Thank you Mrs. Benjamin for your kindness and GOD BLESS YOU and I am sorry for your loss.
Robbie I love you brother and the LORD will see you through this. You are and still my inspiration. You have made such a huge impact in my life. We showed each other our way back to the LORD and I will continue to go down that road and hold you up in faith. Just know that we will continue to fight with you and we will meet again soon….
Benjamin – Gerald is by no means innocent either, however, he is very lucky. And if Jay is such a bad place and you need to carry a gun because there might be trouble, I ask of you, was the free beer worth it? And by the way, the address is Milton, FL not Jay. And the community is Berrydale, not Jay.
I, too, was at the trial every day. And Gerald Banton is a liar.
Hawghead…….Put yourself in Mr. Floyd’s situation. There you are at your home with some friends and family members. You have asked someone to leave but instead they refuse. It becomes apparent that they are NOT going to leave. You push one of the two when they begin a conversation amongst themselves saying, ” You gonna do it?” Yea, I’m gonna do it.”, and then you reply,”Let’s do it then”. At this point, the one that was pushed brandishes a firearm.
Now, you being a former military member, and the well educated person that you are, I implore of you – What would do?
I know what I would do.
To all the people who thinks Robbie is innocent is DEAD WRONG!!!! IF he was he wouldn’t be in jail DUH!!! And for the people who think that was self defense is dead wrong and i was at the trial every day so i would know the information! Gerald shot first…but not at anyone and in the air WHEN he was driving away! When Gerald pulled out the gun first it was because he was about to get jumped by 6 or 7 white people in JAY!And when they were driving away Robbie that’s so innocent to yall shot into the car and hit Gus in the back! He even said that he did it so what then he is GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gottem…..As far as being on his property
It is the states property the house is his
??
You are surely misinformed, the vehicle was still on his property. They did not depart the premise until after the exchange of gunfire and both guns were empty. The vehicle is what was shot and unfortunately it traveled into the passenger compartment. However, the vehicle was still on his property and shots were being fired from the vehicle. If this had been my house they would not have made it back to their vehicle after brandishing a firearm. I would have shot them where they stood. The only mistake that Mr. Floyd made was letting them get back to their vehicle, and they still did not leave until after they opened fire and their gun was emptied.
i would like to know also….what, if anything is gonna happen to the guy in the car that started shooting first???? i havent seen anything in the news about that!
God knows the truth
And only truth shall set you free
I pray for all who are blind and
for those who suffered through this tragedy
i am SO glad that this is going to be appealed. and i dont care if he was invited or not, but either way if you come to MY house on MY property that ME AND MY HUSBAND paid for, you best believe that if you shoot a gun IN HOPES OF SCARING SOMEONE ((and we all know that is why it was shot)), something is going to happen. ESPECIALLY if i have people over that could get hurt. i dont know what the jury was thinking when they “deliberated” and found him guilty. i guess none of the jurors ever had to do anything to protect their property or people on their property. yes, robbie never should have shot the gun when the vehicle was fleeing the scene, and he should indeed be charged with discharging a firearm to a moving vehicle, BUT are you telling me that if someone comes to our property and SHOOTS 6 ROUNDS FROM HIS REVOLVER, that we cant shoot back?? thats absolutely rediculous. all of this happened simply because of the OLD SCHOOL JAY ways, when its nowhere even like that anymore. think of how many times you hear of black and whites going through this same stuff…like in pensacola. nothing nearly this severe would have taken place. also, if he had a permit to conceal a weapon, why in the world did he feel the need to have to throw it in the bush at the hospital??? in fear of getting caught cuz he did something wrong maybe??? this boys life would have been saved if wouldnt have showed the gun in hopes to scaring someone. there are just WAY WAY too many pieces of the puzzle missing. and i will be praying for a better outcome in the appeal. god has robbie in there for a reason and he’s the only one that knows why. but just think robbie, the guy you witnessed to in jail when this first happened, gave his life to the lord, and still living for him. and all your family members that have done the same. god bless the floyd family and all the members of the other family that have lost a young man.
to ever who wrote back to me,yall are just going on of that the news said.yall werent there in the court room or at the party.Gerald shot fisrt at robby.robby was just proecting hisself & family & friends.& robby isnt a cold bloody killer your dumb.he wasnt shooting to kill anybody.okay so he made a mistake and yes that guys life is gone forver but so is robs.so sitting here bashing him is not making it any better.yall all just need to mind your own business & leave him alone.he is a great friend & person.if a certain girl wouldnt of brought them to the party none if this would happened.they were UNINVITED they shouldve left when asked to! so dont write back to me telling me im wrong when im know im right yall dont know anything about this!robby will get out & he will not die in prison like some of yall said.god bless & have a nice day
It has never been legal to shoot an unarmed man in the back that is leaving your property. I’m not trying to choose sides here, but this shooting was totally uncalled for. ALCOHOL AND FIREARMS DO NOT MAKE FOR A GOOD MIX.
I agree with the fact that this is a tragic event. Many lives have been affected by this, and will never be the same. I do feel that this is a tragic miscarriage of justice. I do not feel that the law was applied in a JUST manner. I personally believe that the individuals involved in doling out justice were in fear for their verdict (for the reactions that it could cause). It sickens me that in this day and age that every chance people get THEY want to make race an issue. (i.e. – because he was black?) It had nothing to do with the color of anyone’s skin – fact is, Gerald BRANDISHED a firearm, therefore GERALD is the one that escalated the situation to DEADLY FORCE. Was Robbie, or anyone else that was present, supposed to believe that Gerald pulled out the gun and then ask him to dance? Anyone with common sense that has a gun pulled on them would REASONABLY believe that they were/are about to be shot. Robbie responded to the threat of DEADLY FORCE with DEADLY FORCE. I would strongly request that any of you go online and look up the definition of self-defense. Gerald & Gus were asked to leave, no one knows why or ever will, but they chose to stay and STAND THEIR GROUND. Who, in this situation was actually entitled to STAND THEIR GROUND? Research, research, research. Educate yourselves before you try to express your opinion(s).
Umm to the person that just don’t get it
“long live Robbie Floyd”
What is wrong with you
robbie is not the one dead.
As far as being on his property
It is the states property the house is his
Robbie shot outside lady and you didnt
Have to be there to know that
Learn the law don’t go off feelings
@ Amanda, I am pleased to know that you know more than the judge and jury. You are displaying the same kind of ego that got these people in trouble in the first place. You can beleive anything you want but do not try to deprive others of what they beleive by doing so.
The decisions made by the judge and jury were based on the facts that were presented and proven. Did you catch the last part there “proven” that is why the conviction. I do agree that a lot of lives have been ruined over this whole thing. But do not try and leccture to the masses who depend on their judicial system to work for them. By the people for the people let there be justice. Just saying.
why did the 18 year old have a license to carry a concealed weapon? did he have any kind of training or gun safety courses? what is happening in this young man’s life that he feels like he should have to carry a concealed weapon? just curious????
@amanda
None of that matters. He is going to jail. He was found guilty of killing another man by a jury of his peers. He broke the law. He will pay for it with his freedom. That is the end of the story. You can romanticize it all you want, but according to the state of Florida he is a cold blooded killer, plan and simple. Also it is all of our business when one human being takes another human beings life. It does not matter if it was an accident or intentional people have to be held accountable for their actions.
I think everybody should just hush about it.If yall weren’t there then yall dont know what happened.the news people are just making it worse cause there lying.They were asked to leave so they shouldve of left instead of staying & causing more problems & they showed a gun first so robby was just protecting his self & his family & friends at the party.ihe is INNOCENT no matter what any of yall think.he did no wrong he isnt a killer.he was not intending on killing anybody they shot first so he shot back.they were on HIS PROPERTY so its self defense.befor yall go bashing people get your facts straight.& news people need to stop posting stuff about it move on to something else.its nobodys business like all of us dont have enough going on.he will get out & when he does everybody will see how good of a person he is.love you robby so much.LONG LIVE ROBBY FLOYD!.
& to the UMM person comment he was proceting his self from the gun they had,were you at the trail?i think not so dont say read what they said cause he GERALD came clean about firing HIS GUN at robby so you just hush it also.
love amanda bolduc
“Robbie is innocent!!!! He wasn’t aiming at the “people”! He was protecting his property and friends!! The men and girl was NOT invited and they showed up anyway! The girl that brought these boys needs to be punished also and the boys who fired the shots needs to be punished! Robbie did not kill any one intentially! As far as the girl who brought the boys to his house; the blood is on your hands!!”
Robbie was found guilty in a court of law therefore he is guilty not innocent. Actions have consequences and the consequences of his actions are one person is dead and his life is ruined. He chose to shoot, so he chose the path he is no on. No one else is to blame for his punishment but himself. No matter what way you look at it he did not have to shoot. He did and he will have to live with it now.
Nobody is contesting anyone’s right to protect themselves…or there family or property. But how is this guy innocent? He did not shoot the guy that discharged the gun!! Explain all of you who are saying he is?? How?? Because one person shoots a gun that makes the other 3 in the car just as liable? I don’t understand. How can anyone say that?
Banton who shot in the air should be prosecuted for discharging a firearm and the CWP revoked if he was drinking.
I live in Jay & work in Brewton & known both families & it saddens me deeply that both famililies have lost such young men!! One is taken for good, the other will be in prison for up to life & even if he gets out, what then? His life might as well be over as well. I know if someone ignores the “NO INVITE” & shows up at MY house with a gun, my husband would undoubtedly go get HIS gun also to protect his loved ones, regardless if we were drinking or NOT. That is what is called PRIVATE PROPERTY & TRESPASSING. Also, why did the young man with the CWP & revolver only JUST confess only a month ago to having a gun & tossing it in the bushes at Brewton Hospital?? He should be charged with obstruction of justice & or firing at a crowd of people! Such senselessness on ALL sides, race issues NOT a factor. I hope others learn from this, I really do. God Bless the Benjamin & Floyd families.
Robbie is innocent!!!! He wasn’t aiming at the “people”! He was protecting his property and friends!! The men and girl was NOT invited and they showed up anyway! The girl that brought these boys needs to be punished also and the boys who fired the shots needs to be punished! Robbie did not kill any one intentially! As far as the girl who brought the boys to his house; the blood is on your hands!!
Robbie did not deserve what he got he is a good guy and was protecting his friends….they pulled the gun first not Robbie
Sounds like the facts were presented and the conclusion has also been given. Now the time has come to serve. Just because you have a CWP does not excuse you from the responsibiltes of carrying. In fac you are to be held to a higher standard as a result of having the permit. Sad all the way around that this whole thing esculated out of control. Now we have a whole lot of lives messed up as a result of it. I’m just sure there was more than drinking motovating this. More like drinking and young ego combined with testrone! Too sad indeed!
so what would have happened had one of the handgun bullets hit someone at the house party???
and what kind of consequences are in store for firing a weapon from a vehicle?
and not to bring up any old blood but both parties have a rap sheet a mile long…
-don’t ever shoot to miss-
I went to school with Gus up in Brewton. He was a really nice guy… Mr. Floyed DID get what he deserved…. He had no Business shooting at the back of the car… They were leaving his property…. You do the Crime, you do the time…. Prayers for Gus Family. May you finally have some peace with this. Gus is missed…..
I would have fired back too!!!! I hope the guy in the car that had the gun sleeps well at night…I know i couldnt! He got his friend killed and another guy in prison. By the way what did he get?
first of all let me say….this is a sad situation for BOTH families! but i will say this…if someone is on my property and pulls a gun on me or my family and/or fires it, you better bet im not just gonna sit back and see what happens!! and as far as this being a racial issue, im so sick of hearing that too! i dont care what color anyone is, if you feel threatened your not gonna dwell on the color of skin to determine your action….i sure wouldnt! as far as the people on here that think he should get the death penalty….let someone shoot at you and threaten your family with a firearm and see how you handle the situation.
Now that the article shows what came out in court…so Banton shoots in the air…Floyd shoots 5 times and kills Benjamin who was NOT the guy with the gun. And some of you are still defending him? Even if Floyd felt threatened, he killed an innocent guy.
@ET, you’re comparing avocados to apples!!!
Yes maybe justice done. But a question , what does a young man need concealed weapons permit ? And did he pull it out for show and tell. That truly is what set this in motion. Hope he sleeps well too. Weapons permit what a joke. I was raised to if you pull it out use it. All he did was get his friend killed.
What do you think would happen if you were arguing with the cops and flash a gun and then discharged it? My guess you would be full of lead. And this man was on his property telling trespassers to leave. I wonder if Bantonis be charge for discharged the revolver in a crowd.
HE DID NOTHING WRONG? SINCE WHEN IS IT OK TO KILL SOMEONE? NEVER! NO MATTER WHAT THA SITUATION IS OR WAS. IT IS NEVER OK TO KILL SOMEONE. SSO HOW COULD ANY OF YOU SAY HE DID NOTHING WRONG? JUS HEARTLESS. THAT’S WHY IAM SOOOOOOO GLAD JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED. & MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO BOTH OF THE FAMILIES. & IM YET PRAYING FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK THIS YOUNG MAN WAS IN THE RIGHT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
I am glad that justice was served. A young man lost his life because a guy thought he was the enforcer of the law. It is truly sad the way many of you people think. Our education system is broken and horribly all of you people making asinine comments are the product of it. Grow up people and learn the laws of this state and country, so you will know that there could have been no other verdict than guilty with evidence presented. You can not go firing guns and taking other people’s lives just because you feel like you were wronged or you do not like their skin color. I would say hopefully one day the dumber poorer people would be eradicated from the gene pool, however because you all breed like rabbits and have no moral qualms about it I fear it will only get worse as time progresses.
Unfortunate that race still plays apart in the jay-brewton area
and it’s truly sad both of lives involved are ruined by this act.
But that’s it racial tension was displayed and if we don’t
Learn how to coexist on this planet we will see more senseless
Crimes go down. WAKE UP people and may GOD BLESS us all.
Only reason he was found GUILTY was a color issue if it happened any where else would have not been a big deal…Could not have the outside world thinking he just shoot a black and got away with it.Would have sent out a message of the OLD SCHOOL JAY..You come on my property and start firing a weapon I am dam sure going to try to make sure you dont do it again…
It is o.k. to come to someones home discharge a gun? The person is suppose to do nothing? I hope that all involved in this do lean a lesson about drinking and guns. I still can not understand why he was found guilty of this charge. What is the law on someone shooting off a gun on someone else property after being ask to go?
I am far from “clueless” to the fact that Gus died, I realize that he lost his life that night. NO ONE seems to get the fact that if Gus and the others would have NEVER came somewhere they had “NO INVITE” NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE! Maybe some need to get the facts! The car Gus was in showed a gun first and yes they fired it that came out in trial and then they dumped the gun in some bushed by the hospital and let’s not forget they made a stop before the hospital which if they would have went to Jay Hospital instead of DW hospiatl Gus life may have been saved. Its sad that everyone keeps forgetting Mr. Floyd called the police first and had NO clue one of the bullets ever struck the car must less anyone in it! FYI- If you’re not invited Don’t go simple as that!
If the young man from Brewton did fire a handgun then there would have been gun powder residue on his hand, arm, and clothes. I’m sure they didn’t miss this. Witnesses would have also been able to back this up. I’m sure there wasn’t any drinking or anything like that going on that impaires judgment. Not to mention he also was technially shooting at the other so called innocent 3 people that where in the car too. Not to smart!
I’M SO GLAD THAT JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED… I SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE STILL BEING “CLUELESS” TO THE FACT, THAT FLOYD WAS IN THE WRONG. INVITED OR NOT, THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD’VE BEEN AVOIDED. IT’S NOT RIGHT, THAT SOME OF YOU PEOPLE DON’T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE FACT THAT HE STILL TOOK SOMEONE’S LIFE, THE ONLY THING YOU CAN SAY IS “THEY WASN’T INVITED” (SO WHAT)!!!.. GROW UP!!!! AND REALIZE THAT THIS WAS A SENSELESS ACT THAT COULD’VE BEEN AVOIDED AND “2″ PEOPLE LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME… SO, THE QUESTION IS: AM I HAPPY, YES BECAUSE JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED, BUT I’M SAD THAT GUS WILL NEVER GET TO SEE “WHAT COULD’VE BEEN!!! MY PRAYERS DO GO OUT TO BOTH FAMILIES!!!!
When will ppl take under-age drinking and drug use seriously? I work w/ youth in an environment where it is not taken seriously by anyone; administration, police, parents, etc. We live in a culture that glamourizes alcohol, drug use and wild partying and almost totally disregards morality, decorum, good-character among all but is particularly troubling among the youth. When we wake up as society and realize that when parents, teachers, police and all those who have an opportunity to make a difference among youth don’t, we all suffer for it and experience the horrible life-altering effects from it.
First and foremost THE UNINVITED had NO BUSINESS at Mr. Floyd’s hence the word UNINVITED, Secondly he asked them to leave and that is where the argument started. Mr. Floyd has a right to choose who is allowed at his home and who isn’t! Lastly I hate that things went as far as it did but I have 4 questions why did the stupid girl bring them somewhere that they were not invited too? Why did the guy think it was ok to come to someone’s home that he doesn’t know and wasn’t invited too? Why did they drive all the way to DW hospital when Jay hospital is right there in Jay if they had nothing to hide? Why didn’t the uninvited call the police on their way to the hospital? Mr. Floyd is the one that called the police. Lastly, I believe the girl that brought the uninvited guest to Mr. Floyd’s is just as much to blame if not more than anyone! She may not get legal action but KARMA will get her.
If someone in a crowd is shooting–perhaps even shooting your way, do you return fire by shooting into that crowd?
What if you miss?
We even have here a prime example where the one drawing fire wasn’t the one who got shot and died.
David considering aim, misses
and consequences of actions
I am glad that justice was served!!! Now I am waiting to see how long the good ole boy gets!!!!! You just cant do things like it was done in the good ole days!!!!
im on floyds side.he has the right to protect himself especially when they were uninvited and started the mess.he only had a normal reaction.they had there gun ready.first not him.
I agree with most of the posted comments. A young man’s life was taken!! This was such a SENSELESS act!!! Who will be the big man in the yard now! I am soooo glad the jury could see it forwhat it was!!!! Although, I DON’T think the losses are equal, I think they are both terrible in it’s own way. What a waste!
I don’t understand why some people are just sick in the head u sit there and say nasty things about Robbie, was u there no do you know all the facts no so I believe u need to keep your mouth shut……Robbie we love you and we are all standing beside you though this. It will be ok and you be home soon. You did not so anything that noone else would have not done. They was asked to leave and didn’t they pulled and fired a gun also…So one day they will make a mistake and they will do there time…Keep ur head and a smile on ur face….We love you
Justice… Glad to see it, thou prayers for the floyd Family
I’m hearing “people” say that he was only protecting his property. Protecting his property from what????? Were they stealing something or trying to break in. What???? Get a grip. The truth came out in his trial and he was found guilty by his peers. At least his family can still see and talk to him. The guy he killed family can not and over what???? This was a stupid dumb tragedy. I hear “people” say he did nothing wrong but I bet he wished that he had not fired that gun that night. “People” love to talk but I know you would not want to take his place.
I’m glad that this boy is GUILTY ! that was my nephew that was killed ., his family deserves to feel what our family felt .
Before you use deadly force be sure you are within policy. Not sure they proved the brewton group shot first but because they were leaving, Robert should have held is fire no matter how mad he was. I wasn’t there so I can’t really make a judgement. Thank goodness they have the castle law for the house.
Sad that someone had to die and another go to prison. Can’t we all just get along.
Faith, it’s second degree murder, so he won’t be sentenced to death…please educate yourself a little bit.
why did he shot to protect his ego or property justice has been served let pray for both family and move on////////
@ cop hater…….opinions don’t matter , courts go by facts…….no mention of any bullets or bullet holes, except rifle casings……and your not protecting when you are shooting into a fleeing vehicle. Sorry for Mr. Floyd’s family , they will be able to visit him……..as for Mr. Benjamin’s family they will never see him again.
@ KC……..I totally agree with your statement about the others learning from this, you are right…….they haven’t yet.
This is a sad day , one man dead , the others life ruined. I hope the other people who were at that party have learned something from this today, because they haven’t before today. My prayers to both these families, may God comfort you all.
i am so glad that man is guilty i hope he gets sentenced to death in prison
faith williamson
Prayers for the Floyd family!
I think this young man did nothing wrong considering the other “people” in the car started the altercation, he should be let go by the fact he was protecting his own property, this was made a law and the “people” in the car pulled a gun first, its just my opinion
Cop hater