Sarasota, FL, has been awash with conversations about what happened to Steven. He is a young boy with a bright future, and reading his story made me feel horrible for him. The entire community is trying to support his family through a harrowing experience.
Steven usually went for a walk each morning, getting up at seven on Saturdays to follow the same route. On that day, December 6, 2025, he was murdered by his neighbor, while he himself was unarmed at the time.
According to those close to Steven, it was not a random attack. They said that the neighbor had approached Steven in a very aggressive manner. It was on Steven’s side of the road. The family revealed that this same neighbor had previously sent Steven very fearful warnings just because Steven was just a little different. My cousin also had a neighbor like that who used to behave strangely, so I understand how tense it feels.
He was given statements by the family alleging that the neighbor had used a loaded but unregistered gun. Steven had nothing to protect himself. All the neighbors claimed that they were scared and never really shot in self-defense under the Florida Stand Your Ground law. He stated that Steven appeared large, which made him panic.
Many Sarasotans feel that the law was misused in this situation. The family states that Stand Your Ground was never intended to protect someone who, through their own actions, caused the problem, only to claim it as an excuse.
Some members of a local community, including Steven’s family, believe the first investigation conducted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office did not adequately consider all relevant matters. In their opinion, the information was perhaps ignored, and evidence of the wrong story was made to look true through early reports.
A family spokesperson stated that Steven deserves a fair chance and that no office should presume to judge someone’s life without a thorough and honest investigation.
The community knows Steven as a boy with many talents. With sincerity, he was into baseball, and practices were many. He was learning software development and was into music. He kept a rigorous morning regimen of walks and workouts. Honestly, seeing boys like him makes me think I, too, should really buckle down and give my goals the respect they deserve.
The family decided on an eleven o’clock gathering on the same day in front of the State Attorney’s Office on Ringling Blvd in Sarasota, to reassert the whole story. Many came, including family friends and neighbors, and they all called for a straightforward, honest investigation.
On social media, people have begun expressing their thoughts. Paola Ann said Liz’s post made her cry, as it really showed Steven. She thanked her for her honesty and said that the support they were getting was keeping them strong.
Another individual, Julie Hayes, said her heart broke and that she could not figure out how this case could still be in limbo. She prays for Steven and his family to receive the justice they need.
Those who could not make it to say something did leave messages. Anna Lucignani penned a cute little note. Rachel Rudd Guzman said she couldn’t be there but was supporting them from afar. Krista Dillon said she wished she lived closer so she could join, and that made her emotional. Felicia Bisho said the message about Steven was so beautifully done.
Currently, Sarasota, FL, is still in confusion and sorrow over the entire tragedy. Many are still out there, demanding the truth and ensuring a just investigation so that Steven and his family get justice. You may also be interested in: He Was Pale And Shaking After Coach Ended His Season A Morris NY Father Says His Son Had A Panic Attack After Being Left Out While Younger Players Got Pulled Up For Varsity
