Mertilian Tilly Mesinor, a 29-year-old Black man from Gifford, Florida, was shot and killed on December 19, 2019, in the 4400 block of 35th Avenue. The shooting followed a dispute over a $40 debt and a small amount of marijuana that began after Mesinor’s younger brother, Loren Ford, attempted to sell drugs independently near Delray Antonio Montaque’s residence. When Ford could not retrieve the money, he asked Mesinor for help and the two men confronted Montaque outside his home. Mesinor reportedly threatened Montaque, saying he would kill Montaque and his family. As Ford and Mesinor began to walk away, Montaque followed them in his truck, got out and opened fire. Mesinor was struck multiple times and later died at a hospital; Ford survived.

Delray Antonio Montaque, 36, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted second-degree murder with a firearm. During the trial, Loren Ford testified against Montaque. Prosecutors presented evidence that Montaque attempted to influence witnesses by writing from jail, offering to pay them to give false testimony or not appear at trial.

Mesinor is remembered in the community as a devoted father and a good person. If anyone has information about the events leading up to that night or knew Mesinor and can add context, please share what is known.