According to Lauderhill police, a man who lost a bet on a football game is now facing a charge of attempted murder.
Booker T. Roberts, 34, is accused of shooting Alphonso Palmer in the stomach outside of a convenience store in Lauderhill on December 12, 2015. Palmer told detectives in his hospital room that “BT” Roberts had threatened him with a gun in the past on several occasions.
Roberts lost a bet with Palmer on October 11 when the New England Patriots won the game against the Dallas Cowboys. Although Roberts paid Palmer the $100, he was simmering over his loss. His anger finally came to a head when he confronted Palmer outside the convenience store with a gun. When Palmer saw the weapon, he told Roberts to put it down and to “fight like a man.” Instead, Roberts hit Palmer in the head with the weapon and fired a shot. He missed, but the second shot hit Palmer in the stomach. Palmer dragged himself into the store to call 911.
After the shooting, Roberts inserted the black handgun into his waistband before taking off. He was spotted driving a gray 2010 Nissan on January 29. Although he abandoned the car and tried to evade the police, he was eventually caught. According to jail records, Roberts is being held without bond. His Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrest record states that he has been convicted of fraud, drug possession, assault of law enforcement officers and resisting arrest. An attempted murder criminal defense lawyer will be necessary to ensure that Roberts receives a fair sentence.
A person can be convicted of first-degree murder if he committed premeditated murder. Depraved heart murder is considered second-degree murder. In order to be convicted of first-degree murder, the State Attorney must be able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the murder victim is dead, that the suspect did indeed commit a premeditated murder and that the death of the victim was caused by the criminal act of the criminal suspect. There is limit on the time that must pass between the decision to kill someone and the act of killing. However, the period of time must be long enough for the criminal suspect to reflect on what he is about to do.
In situations like these, it is imperative that you have the assistance of a Lauderhill criminal defense lawyer on your side. If you or someone you know has been convicted of first-, second- or third-degree murder, contact the law firm of Kenneth Hassett as soon as possible.
