The Tampa Bay Times

Dad Shot and Killed in Front of 4 Sons Outside Barber Shop: St. Petersburg PD

One son reportedly heard his father yell "don't shoot me in front of my kids''

Authorities say a St. Petersburg man has been jailed on charges that he killed a man in front of the victim's children outside a barber shop.

The Tampa Bay Times reported Sunday that Hopeton Johnson was charged with murder in the death of Dontavion Lamar Fleming. Fleming was shot April 11 in front of the barber shop where he and his four sons had just gotten haircuts.

The paper reported that Fleming's 11-year-old son heard his father tell someone in a car "don't shoot me in front of my kids,'' and then watched as he fell.

St. Petersburg police spokeswoman Yolanda Fernandez says more arrests may follow in the case.

Pinellas County jail records show Johnson was in jail. They did not indicate whether he had an attorney.

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