William Gilbert, 38, was found dead in his Saint Petersburg, Florida, residence on the evening of August 6, 2019. Authorities reported multiple gunshot wounds and quickly treated the death as a homicide after neighbors reported loud arguments and gunfire that prompted calls to police.

Investigators questioned at least one local resident who had prior conflicts with Gilbert but released that person for lack of evidence. Forensic testing later tied a different individual, described as a 42-year-old African American male, to the scene; that person was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The defense in the case claimed the defendant acted in self-defense, while the prosecution relied on eyewitness statements and forensic analysis.

Gilbert’s family and community held vigils and fundraisers and pushed for answers as the legal process moved forward.