BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Shortly before 2:30 a.m., last Friday, a 24-year-old Tampa man was shot outside of an Ybor City club. He later died at a local hospital.

The Tampa Police Department is not releasing any additional information about the shooting that ended the life of 24-year-old Rickey S. Ligons. When officers arrived at Club Ice, 1704 N. 17th Street, in Ybor City, Ligons was laying in the parking lot. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died.

According to reports, a fight started inside the club and bouncers ejected several people. Ligons and a female were leaving when they saw two girls fighting behind the club. Witnesses said Ligons became involved after a young man began fighting with one of the girls and tried to stop him.

Ligons’ mother, Mrs. Odessa Marshall said, “He was trying to break up a fight. Two girls were fighting and a boy started fighting one of the girls. He told him he shouldn’t be fighting a girl and then he was shot.”

Ligons was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Marshall and Wendall Alexander. He was the grandson of Mrs. Carrie Ligons and the late A. C. Ligons. His uncle, Joe Ligons, is the lead singer of the popular gospel group, the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

He was the oldest of three children born to Mrs. Marshall. “I poured my whole life in to all three of my kids. I loved my son dearly and it’s just sad to see his light go out at the age of 24. He will always be loved and close to my heart and he will never be forgotten,” she said.

Ligons was a Tampa native who attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He one credit short of graduating with his Brandon High School class in 2008.

Mrs. Marshall said Rickey was planning to obtain that credit and was in the process of talking with a military recruiter. He planned to enlist in the U. S. Army. “He had just found out what he needed to do to go into the military.”

He was a member of New Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and was described as a typical young adult. He enjoyed playing football, music, and playing games on his Play Station 3.
His family is currently attempting to raise money for his funeral. Funeral services for Ligons were incomplete as of press time. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.