Cleveland Fulton, 17, of Palatka, Florida, died on February 29, 2016, after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. on Benham Street; he was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center and later flown to Shands Hospital in Gainesville in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police say Cleveland and several friends were at a friend’s house when they somehow got hold of a handgun. Investigators reported it remained unclear whether the wound was accidental or self-inflicted and that nothing about the case appeared to be criminal at that time; ownership of the gun was unknown.

Cleveland was a junior at Palatka High School, described as fun-loving, respectful, and interested in boxing. His stepmother had raised him since he was two years old. Grief counselors were brought into the school after his death.