Boynton Beach, Florida – A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot while attempting to break up an argument between adults inside a home in Boynton Beach, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. A 24-year-old man is now jailed and facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the shooting.
Incident Overview
The deadly shooting occurred on December 28 at a residence on Northwest Ninth Avenue in Boynton Beach, a city in Palm Beach County. Deputies responding to a late-morning 911 call found Josiah Jones, 17, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Emergency responders transported the teen to Delray Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
What Led to the Shooting
According to a probable cause affidavit, Trenton Robinson, 24, had arrived at the home to pick up his toddler son from the child’s mother. During the exchange, an argument broke out between the two adults.
As the disagreement escalated, Josiah allegedly attempted to intervene and separate them. Investigators say Robinson and the teenager ended up grabbing one another, eventually falling onto a bed while still holding on.
It was at that moment, deputies say, that the gun discharged, striking Josiah in the stomach.
Statements at the Scene
Robinson was taken into custody at the scene. Deputies noted that he made a spontaneous statement shortly after the shooting, telling officers:
“I f–d up. It was an accident.”
Authorities also reported that Robinson repeatedly described the shooting as accidental both during a 911 call and while speaking with deputies at the home.
Family Accounts of the Final Moments
Josiah’s mother told investigators she heard the argument upstairs and asked her son to go downstairs to intervene. She followed moments later, heard a loud “pop,” and then saw her son fall to the ground. She recalled her daughter shouting:
“You just shot my brother.”
The victim’s sister, who was directly involved in the argument with Robinson, said the dispute became loud but never physical. She told deputies that Josiah stepped between them and grabbed Robinson in an effort to calm the situation.
According to her account, the two fell onto a bed, where Josiah held Robinson in what she described as a “bear hug.” Robinson allegedly demanded that Josiah let go.
The sister described what happened next in stark detail:
Robinson pulled a gun from his pocket and shot Josiah in the stomach. Afterward, Robinson said, “He should have got off me.”
She emphasized that there was no punching or active fighting between the two.
A second sister confirmed much of the same sequence, telling deputies she removed the toddler from the room shortly before hearing the gunshot.
Defendant’s Explanation to Police
During a recorded interview after being advised of his Miranda rights, Robinson again insisted the shooting was unintentional. He claimed the firearm was loose inside his sweatshirt pocket and not secured in a holster.
According to investigators, Robinson said he was attempting to remove the gun because he feared it could discharge and hit him. As he pulled it out, he claimed, the weapon fired accidentally.
Despite those claims, detectives noted that witnesses consistently stated Josiah was not hurting Robinson and posed no immediate threat.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Robinson has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm. He is currently being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail.
Court records show Robinson is scheduled to appear before a judge on February 26, 2026.
Broader Safety Concerns
Law enforcement officials often stress that carrying unsecured firearms during emotionally charged situations significantly increases the risk of deadly outcomes. Investigators highlighted that the gun involved in this case was not holstered, a factor that played a key role in the fatal shooting.
Conclusion
What began as a family dispute ended in the tragic death of a teenager who, according to investigators, was trying to stop an argument from escalating. As the case moves through the court system, prosecutors will weigh witness accounts against Robinson’s claim that the shooting was accidental.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to this case in the comments below.
