Xavier Laboy Figueroa, 39, died on December 29, 2022, after a confrontation at a business on U.S. 92 East in Lakeland, Florida. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the dispute with his business partner, 31-year-old Akeido Bennett, escalated; both men drew firearms and shot each other. Bennett was pronounced dead at the scene; Figueroa attempted to flee in his truck but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.

Sheriff Grady Judd called the event an avoidable tragedy and said no other suspects are believed to be involved. The investigation remains ongoing.

Did anyone who knew Xavier or worked with them at the U.S. 92 East business see signs the dispute might turn violent or have information that could help investigators?