OCSO Investigation into Death of FWB Teen Leads to Seven Arrests
Matt BosterViewed: 5087
Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: May 24 2019 7:55 AM
Seven people were arrested today by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a drug deal gone
bad which resulted in the death of an innocent bystander May 20th.
The seven individuals charged with third degree murder range in age from 17 to 27.
The suspects are: 19-year old Craig Rudolph Jr., 17-year old Keanu Askew, 21-year old Brendon Scarver, 18-
year old Gaige Monfils, 17-year old Sterlin Burns, 27-year old Daniel Heath, and 18-year old Shatavia Elicia
Foreman, all of Fort Walton Beach.
Investigators say the tragic and complicated sequence of events began with an earlier drug deal involving Gaige
Monfils at his home at 110 Oakhill Avenue. Monfils was robbed at gunpoint by two 16 year olds. The OCSO
arrested Niriah Rudolph and Celeste Templin Wednesday on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. (See
previous release 5/22/2019)
Monfils contacted Burns and Heath and told them about the robbery. At Monfils request, Heath went to his
residence with Monfils and Askew to get weapons. After retrieving two handguns, a rifle, a mask, and gloves, the
trio went back to 110 Oakhill Avenue.
Hours later, Burns arranged to sell a half pound of marijuana to Rudolph for $550.
Foreman drove Rudolph and Scarver to Monfils house for the pre-arranged drug deal. Shortly after they arrived
a gunshot was fired from the house towards their vehicle. Foreman says one of the individuals in the car shot back.
In the exchange of gunfire between those at the home, (Monfils, Heath, Burns, and Askew) and those in the car,
(Scarver, Rudolph, and Foreman), one of the bullets hit and killed 19 year old bystander Cordell Smart, who was
there to drop off his dog.
Investigators say it is not clear which individual fired the shot that killed Smart.
Under Florida law, because all involved were taking part in the commission of a felony crime (narcotics
transaction) that led to an unlawful death, all participants are charged the same.
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