Tanner Watkins – Missouri Man Fatally Shoots 18-Year-Old over Facebook Post

Tanner Watkins, who is 20 years old, has been arrested along with Kaleb Ramsey, 18, and they are accused of committing a terrible crime. They are charged with murder, assault, using weapons illegally, and engaging in criminal activity. This incident happened in rural Missouri in April 2023. Watkins allegedly killed an 18-year-old boy and seriously hurt an 18-year-old girl. We will share all the details about Tanner Watkins and the horrifying murder of the teen that he has been accused of.

Tragic Shooting in Missouri After Facebook Encounter

On April 24th, 2023, Tanner Watkins updated his profile picture on Facebook, featuring a selfie with his girlfriend, Alissa Musgrove. Shortly after, Alissa also uploaded the same picture as her own profile pic. Tanner wrote in the description that there was a war behind the photo. Tanner’s post quickly gained attention, receiving five reactions and an astounding 52,000 shares within nine days. One of the reactions came from Isiah Fitzgerald, a Facebook user from Missouri, who responded with a laughing emoji.

Addressing Isiah’s reaction, Tanner tagged him in multiple comments, asking why he found it funny. Isiah Fitzgerald responded to Tanner by saying that he was laughing on Facebook and didn’t care about him. This kickstarted a back-and-forth banter between the two. Over 23 comments, they engaged in lighthearted teasing and exchanged remarks regarding the photo. The situation took a dark turn, resulting in a fateful decision to confront each other at a local park. However, matters quickly spiraled out of control.

Multiple vehicles, including one armed with an AK-47-style rifle, were involved in a violent altercation. Tragically, the encounter turned deadly, leading to the fatal shooting of Isiah Craig Fitzgerald at the park. Furthermore, the girl accompanying Tanner suffered severe injuries and required immediate medical attention, being rushed to the hospital. During the incident, multiple calls were made to emergency services, reporting the chaos unfolding near a nearby golf course.

Arrests Made After Gunfight at Sikeston’s Rotary Park

On April 25th, 2023, there was a shooting at Rotary Park in Sikeston, Missouri. The police were called to the scene. Chief Jim McMillen from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety explained what happened. According to Chief McMillen, a group of people had arranged to meet up at the park through social media. They were planning to fight each other. One vehicle with four people arrived first, and then two other vehicles carrying around five people came later.

Both sides started shooting at each other using different guns like rifles and pistols. Court documents stated that someone used an AK-47-style rifle to shoot at a Chevy Malibu. This kind of incident is unusual for the area, and it worries the people who live there. The police collected the guns used by Tanner Watkins as evidence. Tanner Watkins and another person named Ramsey are currently in custody without bond. They had a hearing on May 8, 2023.

Sister of Deceased Urges Against Retaliation

Nyisha Fitzgerald, the sister of Fitzgerald, has implored those who were close to her brother to refrain from resorting to violence following his passing. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she expressed her desire to honor her brother’s memory by avoiding further harm. Nyisha shared her deep concern, stating that she does not want anyone her brother loved to end up in prison or lose their lives.

She expressed her wish to express her grief and anger openly but ultimately respects the decisions made by the court. Nyisha pleaded with everyone involved to remain composed and not succumb to any vengeful actions, emphasizing that no one desires such an outcome. Through her words, Nyisha hopes to promote peace and discourage further conflict in the aftermath of her brother’s death.

Bottom Line

Tragically, a Facebook post led to a deadly confrontation at Rotary Park in Missouri, resulting in the murder of 18-year-old Isiah Craig Fitzgerald and serious injury to another individual. Tanner Watkins and Kaleb Ramsey have been arrested and charged with various crimes. Despite the grief and anger surrounding the incident, Nyisha Fitzgerald, the sister of the deceased, has pleaded for peace and urged those involved to avoid retaliatory violence.