Lee Arthur Lawrence Sr. was a 51-year-old grocer and outspoken opponent of the drug trade in West Perrine, Florida. On March 20, 1989, while picking up trash outside his store, Lee’s Grocery, he was ambushed and shot multiple times; he died instantly at the scene with his gun still tucked in his waistband. Two bystanders were wounded in the same volley of gunfire.

Investigators concluded the killing was a contract murder linked to broader drug turf conflicts and longstanding family feuds in the neighborhood. Two 21-year-old men from a Liberty City housing project, Ronnie Johnson and Rodney Newsome, were arrested and charged in connection with the slaying; Johnson was identified as the triggerman and Newsome as the getaway driver. Other defendants were implicated as well, and prosecutions later produced convictions in the case.

Does anyone have additional detail about Lawrence’s work in the community or memories of Lee’s Grocery that could shed light on who might have wanted him dead?