Brian McKellop Jr., 20, a Marine and sophomore at Florida Southwestern College from Cape Coral, Florida, was shot dead on September 7, 2022. Known as BJ, he was described as a servant leader with a big heart; his family held a public memorial on September 17, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Cape Coral with a committal at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Brian intervened to protect his mother, and Fernandez allegedly produced a gun and shot Brian twice, causing his immediate death. Fernandez was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and shooting in a dwelling; he was later sentenced to 40 years for murder and 15 years for the shooting, to be served concurrently.

Brian’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and the community. If anyone knew Brian, his family, or witnessed what happened that day, please share information that might help others understand his final moments.