On Saturday, April 9th at 1 a. m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies report that Courtney Yates, 32, and another individual got into a fight at 12743 North 19th Street. Yates reportedly felt like he was being disrespected by the other man. The two fought three times within a 15-minute span in front of witnesses. After the final fight, both shook hands and said they were done. Both left the area separately.

About 90 minutes later, deputies said both men came back to the area where they had fought.

Jontavis Williams, 23, a friend of the man that fought with Yates, was also at the location.

JONTAVIS WILLIAMS

Witnesses reported that Williams became upset when he found out that Yates was older than his friend. Williams reportedly pulled a gun, and without any hesitation, fired a shot at Yates from about 6-feet away striking him in the chest. Yates turned to run and witnesses said Williams shot him in the back.

Yates was able to run a few feet away and collapsed. Williams then reportedly walked over to Yates who was on the ground, and a witness told deputies Yates begged Williams not to shoot him anymore. At that point, Williams stood over Yates and shot him a third time, this time into his head at point blank range.

Williams fled on foot.

Later that night, Williams walked into the Sheriff’s District One Office and turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Yates’ father and stepmother, Ronald and Tanya Yates, said they were both pleased to hear Williams had turned himself in.

Courtney Yates grew up in Tampa and was attending barber school and close to finishing at the time of his death.

“He really loved cutting hair and cooking,” said Mrs. Yates.

Mrs. Yates said Courtney was very popular in the community, because he would go around giving the kids haircuts.

“Right now, what’s most difficult for us is separating the facts from all the rumors going around. What we know for sure is that he was shot three times, and he begged Jontavis for his life.”

Ronald Yates said what makes the incident even more tragic is the fact that the two families know each other from West Tampa.

“We’ve spent time, and we’ve spoken to each other since the shooting. I assured them we have no hard feelings toward them.”

Courtney Yates has 9 siblings, and a 6-year-old son, Courtney, Jr.

The family is still in the process of making final arrangements for a service.