Two Arrested After Fatal Bar Shooting

Around 1:45 a.m. on January 26th, dispatch received a call regarding a shooting that occurred at Over The Bridge in Port Charlotte. Witnesses confirm that a fight broke out inside the bar between Kevens Laguerre and the victim which quickly escalated into the parking lot. It was in the parking where one black male was fatally shot.

Witnesses state the suspect was angry and yelling at the victim, threatening to shoot him while Kyrsha Taylor began yelling and hitting him. Laguerre retrieved a 9mm handgun from the passenger side of his vehicle, walked toward the victim and shot him multiple times. The victim was pronounced dead on scene.

Witnesses describe the scene to be chaotic as bar patrons quickly fled. Taylor and Laguerre fled the scene in a silver sedan but not before crashing into another vehicle in the process. Investigators are still looking for the vehicle involved in the accident.

Kevens Laguerre is now charged with second-degree murder. Kyrsha Taylor is charged with accessory after the fact. Bond has been set for both. Laguerre’s has been set at $1,000,000. Taylor’s has been set at $500,000.

“I’m proud of the team effort displayed by my staff who have brought justice for the community and for those affected by this senseless act of violence,” states Sheriff Bill Prummell.

At this time the identity of the victim will not be released under Marsy’s Law and the wishes of the family. Marsy’s Law prohibits law enforcement from releasing any information that could identify the victim of any crime.

Due to video surveillance footage, we can confirm there are many witnesses. We are actively looking to speak with them and hope the driver of the vehicle that was hit by Laguerre and Taylor comes forward.

Anyone with information regarding this crime, please call 941-639-0013 or send an anonymous tip via our mobile app.