Pensacola, FL – A Florida man has been convicted of second-degree murder for killing a woman in a parking lot after a fight at a sports bar. Christian Ketchup, 27, shot Tierra Binion, 25, a mother of twins, 10 times in the back, after a dispute that began inside Mugs & Jugs on Scenic Highway in Pensacola on August 23, 2023.
Incident Overview: Bar Fight Escalates to Murder
The confrontation began as a fight between Binion and Ketchup’s girlfriend, Rachel DeRise, 25. DeRise and Binion were described as “mutually combatant” by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Ketchup allegedly intervened, punching Binion and knocking her down, at which point DeRise repeatedly struck the unconscious victim.
DeRise later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and was sentenced to 60 days in county jail plus one year probation.
Ketchup, however, escalated the situation further by drawing a weapon and firing multiple times. Investigators recovered at least 20 shell casings near Binion’s body and an additional five casings elsewhere in the parking lot.
Weapons and Evidence
Authorities seized a Springfield Armory handgun at the scene, and a SIG Sauer P365 was also found and handed to a bartender by a witness. Following the shooting, Ketchup called 911 and admitted to being the shooter, reportedly saying:
“I f–ed up. I’m not a f–ing killer. I don’t do that. That’s not me.”
Defense Claim and Rebuttal
The defense argued that Ketchup believed Binion was armed because she had earlier used the phrase “my gun” and due to the bar’s clientele often carrying weapons.
The state countered that Ketchup’s actions were not reasonable, highlighting that he brought a gun to a fight that did not involve him, consumed alcohol while armed, and shot an unarmed woman in the back 10 times.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen told the jury:
“You know what, ladies and gentlemen, maybe that’s the way he started, but he ended up a murderer.”
Jury Verdict and Sentencing
The jury rejected Ketchup’s self-defense claim and found him guilty of second-degree murder. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, where he faces the possibility of up to life in prison.
Context and Impact
The case has drawn attention for the extreme escalation of a bar fight and the role of firearms in public disputes. Authorities emphasized that the outcome underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and the dangers of intervening in altercations while armed.
What are your thoughts on the jury’s verdict and gun safety in public spaces? Share your opinions in the comments below.
