The Treasure Coast community is closely watching as a significant chapter in a tragic local event comes to a close. This Tuesday morning, the man convicted in the devastating 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day shooting in Fort Pierce will face sentencing at the St. Lucie County courthouse.
A St. Lucie County jury previously convicted Kemmye Parson for his role in the mass shooting at Ilous Ellis Park that claimed the life of a young mother and left several others injured during a community celebration.
On January 16, 2023, what was meant to be a joyous, family-friendly event at Ilous Ellis Park turned into a scene of chaos. Gunfire erupted across the crowded park, sending families and children running for cover. According to local investigators, the violent outbreak was tied to gang-related violence. Tragically, 29-year-old Nikkitia Bryant was killed after being caught in the crossfire, and multiple other attendees suffered injuries during the panic.
Assistant State Attorney Brian Workman confirmed that Parson was convicted of several severe offenses related to the deadly incident. The official jury convictions include:
- First-degree murder with a firearm
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
The legal proceedings have experienced recent delays. Although a jury handed down the guilty verdicts in February, the initial sentencing was postponed when Parson’s defense attorney filed a motion seeking a new trial. With the court having reviewed that request, the sentencing phase is now cleared to proceed.
The highly anticipated hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. During the proceedings, the judge is expected to hear final arguments from both the prosecutors and the defense attorneys before officially handing down Parson’s sentence. The court also anticipates powerful victim impact statements from those whose lives were forever altered by the senseless crossfire.
For residents across Fort Pierce and the wider Treasure Coast, this sentencing represents a critical step toward justice and community healing. Local authorities and news crews will remain at the courthouse to monitor the developments as they officially unfold.
