Florida City man turns himself in to police after shooting father of teenager involved in fight

FLORIDA CITY, Florida. – A 22-year-old Florida City man turned himself in to authorities Wednesday night after he shot another man who tried to intervene in a fight between a group of teenagers, authorities said.

According to a police report, Kentarian Lamont Cross was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on charges of second-degree murder.

Miami-Dade police said the shooting occurred around 7:19 p.m. Tuesday in the area between Northwest 14th Street and First Court.

A cell phone video shows a group of teenage girls fighting before a single gunshot is heard.

According to the police report, one of the girls involved in the fight was the victim's daughter.

According to authorities, he was shot when he tried to intervene.

The victim has since been identified as 47-year-old Johnny Stevenson Jr.

According to the report, he was taken to Baptist Homestead Hospital in a private vehicle and then flown by helicopter to Jackson South Medical Center, where he died during surgery.

“We looked up to him. All of his kids looked up to him – everyone, to be honest. He was just that kind of person,” Stevenson's cousin told Local 10 News.

Police said witnesses identified Cross as the shooter and a photo showed him carrying a gun before the shooting.

The fight between the teenagers is said to have started on a school bus and spread to the street.

On Wednesday evening, Miami-Dade Public Schools released a statement saying:

“Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is aware of a video clip showing students at Homestead Senior High School involved in an altercation on a school bus. School administration is investigating the case and the students involved will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. At M-DCPS, the well-being and safety of our students is of paramount importance. This school district goes to great lengths to promote the values ​​of restraint and respect and to use social media responsibly. We ask that parents reinforce these principles at home.”

Stevenson's family told Local 10 behind the scenes that he was a loving father of 14 children who was also known as Bobo.

According to the report, after his surrender, Cross invoked his Miranda rights and made no statements to investigators.

During a court hearing on Thursday, Cross' defense attorney argued that Cross acted in self-defense in the fatal shooting.

“At the time of the alleged shooting, he (Cross) was being choked by the person who later died,” the attorney said.

He has been held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center since Thursday morning. He appeared in court on Thursday and was held without bail.

WARNING: Violent scenes. Cell phone videos also contain language that some may find offensive. Viewers should exercise caution.

Local 10 News reporter Terrell Forney contributed to this story.