An 18-year-old and two other juveniles have been charged in the murder of a man who was found dead last month in the parking lot of a Coconut Creek Walmart, the first homicide in the city this year, police said.
Michael Robin Griffin, 56, of Coconut Creek, was found shot dead at around 3 a.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart, located in the 5500 block of Hillsboro Boulevard on Oct. 12, according to the Coconut Creek Police Department.
Police announced Wednesday 18-year-old Jermaine Atterbury, of Greenacres, and two male juvenile teens were charged with first-degree murder. The other suspects are not being identified because they are minors and have not been formally charged as adults yet.
Griffin went to Walmart at approximately 1:20 a.m. that morning to pick up medicine when he was approached by one of the suspects, who attempted to rob him, police said. The suspect shot the victim and fled the scene in a Chevy Avalanche driven by Atterbury. Police said surveillance video showed the suspects in the getaway vehicle.
“Although violent crimes of this nature are certainly uncommon in Coconut Creek, we are extremely proud of the hard work and ultimate results of our criminal investigation team,” said Coconut Creek Police Chief Albert “Butch” Arenal. “They worked day and night for weeks on end, never doubting that they would solve this case.”
Atterbury appeared in court Friday and is being held without bond.
"My son is innocent," Atterbury's mother said after his court appearance. "It wasn't premeditated."
The state attorney is still deciding the final charges against Atterbury. Attorney information was not available.
