LAKELAND, Fla. – A heated dispute over a parking space escalated into a deadly shooting at a Lakeland convenience store on Tuesday evening, leaving one man dead and an 18-year-old female injured.
Authorities have arrested 19-year-old Cornelius Gilmore Jr. in connection with the incident, charging him with Second Degree Murder, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.
Lakeland Police officers were called to the Fast Stop convenience store at 820 East Memorial Boulevard at 6:08 p.m. on May 20, 2025, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered 37-year-old Joshua Graham unresponsive in the parking lot with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
READ: Domestic Dispute Leads To Shooting In Bayonet Point, Investigation Underway
A second victim, an 18-year-old female, had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health in a personal vehicle before officers arrived. Her current condition has not been released.
According to preliminary information gathered by detectives, the female victim and Gilmore Jr. arrived at the Fast Stop in separate vehicles. After making a purchase inside the store, they returned to their cars. As the female attempted to back out of her parking space, Graham was pulling in and attempting to park next to her. Police say Graham became upset when the female backed into his path and allegedly called her a derogatory name.
READ: Lakeland Man Arrested In Winter Haven On Multiple Sexual Battery Charges
Instead of leaving, the female pulled back into her spot, and both she and Gilmore exited their vehicles to confront Graham. Graham reportedly attempted to enter the store but was blocked by Gilmore. The argument intensified and quickly turned physical, with the two men moving between cars in the parking lot.
During the altercation, Gilmore pulled out a handgun and fired in Graham’s direction. The shot missed Graham but struck the female in the leg.
Gilmore fired a second time, striking Graham in the head.
Investigators believe Graham did not know the female or Gilmore before this encounter, and that the entire confrontation stemmed from their initial interaction in the parking lot.
The active investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or via email at troy.smith@lakelandgov.net.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
