(Scypre.com) – In a dramatic courtroom incident, Adrian Cosby, a 23-year-old Florida man convicted of murdering a teenage girl over Yeezy sneakers, attempted to lunge at the victim’s family member during his sentencing hearing. The tense scene unfolded more than four years after the murder of 18-year-old Andrea Camps-Lacayo, a high school senior whose life was tragically cut short in April 2020.
Cosby’s sentencing took place on Friday, with family members of Camps-Lacayo delivering powerful impact statements. The victim’s father, Alexander Camps, addressed Cosby with words filled with grief and anger. “You are the epitome of evil and darkness that this world represents,” Camps said, according to NBC Miami. “There’s only one place animals like you belong, and that’s in prison for the rest of your life.”
The harsh words appeared to provoke Cosby, who responded angrily. “What the f— you talking about, b—-,” he shouted, as reported by the Miami Herald. Cosby then attempted to leap from his chair, and it reportedly took six officers to restrain him, adding chaos to an already emotional proceeding.
The tragic story dates back to April 2020, when Camps-Lacayo and her boyfriend, Sergio Berben, were attempting to sell three pairs of Adidas Yeezy sneakers, valued at $935, according to NBC Miami. The couple arranged to meet 19-year-old George Walton outside an abandoned house in Homestead, Florida. During the meeting, Walton expressed interest in trying on one of the pairs of sneakers, which had been designed by the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.
However, the situation took a deadly turn when Berben requested to see the payment before proceeding. At that point, Cosby approached the driver’s side of Berben’s vehicle and began shooting. Both Camps-Lacayo and Berben were struck by the gunfire, according to the police reports. Camps-Lacayo was transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Following a lengthy investigation and trial, a jury found Cosby guilty of felony murder, attempted murder, and attempted robbery. He was sentenced to two life terms in prison, as well as a concurrent 25-year sentence, according to the Miami Herald. Walton, who was involved in the deadly incident, was also convicted earlier this year on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and attempted robbery with a firearm, resulting in a life sentence.
The Camps-Lacayo family, devastated by the loss of their daughter, spoke about her life in an online obituary. Andrea was remembered as a loving daughter, sister, and friend. She was the captain of her high school dance team, a role that showcased her leadership and passion. She is survived by her parents, brother, and sister, who continue to grapple with the pain of losing her in such a senseless act of violence.
The incident has left an indelible mark on the Homestead community, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers of such encounters. The senseless violence that erupted over a few pairs of sneakers underscores the risks inherent in private sales and the impact of gun violence on families and communities. For the Camps-Lacayo family, the sentencing brings a measure of justice, but the absence of their beloved daughter is a loss that can never truly be filled.