Cocoa Juvenile Charged in Shooting Incident That Occurred at Sincere Pierce Funeral Service
By Space Coast Daily // May 18, 2021
shooting incident happened November 28, 2020
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Jonterich Lemar Smith, 16, of Cocoa, has been formally charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Person under 18 in connection with the November 28, 2020, shooting incident that occurred at the funeral service of Sincere Pierce.
Smith was formerly served with those charges while appearing in juvenile court on an unrelated criminal matter, May 10, 2021.
According to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tod Goodyear, the investigation began on November 28, 2020, when deputies responded to Riverview Memorial Gardens in Cocoa after it was reported that two persons were shot.
“It was reported at that time that Smith and Quashedra Pierce had sustained gunshot wounds during the funeral service,” said Goodyear.
“Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot after which Ms. Pierce stated she had been shot. It was later determined that Smith had also sustained a gunshot injury.”
Related Story:Shooting Interrupts Funeral Service for Sincere Pierce, Died During Deputy-Involved Shooting Nov. 13
Based on interviews and evidence collected at the cemetery, hospital, as well as forensic analysis, Smith allegedly discharged a firearm concealed in his waist area.
The projectile traveled through his thigh, exiting his pants leg where it struck Ms. Pierce in the lower leg, traveling through and through before entering the platform they were standing on. Forensic testing confirmed the presence of gunshot residue on the interior of the pants that Smith was wearing at the time of the shooting.
“Ms. Pierce chose not to prosecute any person responsible for her gunshot injury,” said Goodyear.
Upon conclusion, the criminal investigative findings were forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office, who after review of the comprehensive investigation, determined that Smith should be charged with the criminal offenses.
CLICK HERE to read the full Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Report.
Smith is currently being sought in reference to an active Take into Custody Order concerning an unrelated Grand Theft Auto and Theft criminal investigation. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts are asked to please contact the GAMEOVER Task Force at 321-633-1216 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.
