Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Teen won't be charged in drug deal death

Authorities say the shooting was self-defense, but the 17-year-old still faces several drug charges.

By SHANNON
Published January 28, 2006

TAMPA - The Brandon High School graduate shot to death this week in a hotel parking lot ended up the victim, but he started out as the aggressor, according to authorities.

That's why the person accused of the shooting, 17-year-old Robert Boatwright, won't be charged in Richard Menchion's death.

Boatwright has been charged instead with multiple drug offenses, including cocaine and methamphetamine possession, and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent of selling them.

"It was a clear self-defense case," said State Attorney's Office spokeswoman Pam Bondi. "He (Menchion) was the aggressor."

Bondi said Menchion, 19, lured Boatwright and three others riding in a Mitsubishi Galant to the Crowne Plaza, 10221 Princess Palm Ave., early Wednesday by saying he wanted to buy drugs. Menchion "laid in wait" for the car, then walked up to it with his gun drawn.

"It was a setup," Bondi said. "Drugs were part of it."

When Menchion pointed his gun at the vehicle, Boatwright took out his own gun and fired, said sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter. Menchion died about 45 minutes later, at 4:30 a.m., at Brandon Regional Hospital.

Boatwright, the three unidentified people in the car and one witness - who arrived at the hotel with Menchion - stayed at the scene and answered deputies' questions, Carter said.

Boatwright was arrested twice within a week in August 2004, when he was 16, on charges of battery and marijuana possession, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Detectives interviewed Boatwright at the scene shortly after the shooting, Carter said. That's when they found the drugs that led to the charges against him. He is being held in the Juvenile Detention Center.

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at 813 226-3373 or svansickler@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 28, 2006, 01:37:10]