PANAMA CITY, Florida – A Florida judge has denied a request to modify the life sentence of a man who murdered a convenience store clerk during a robbery more than four decades ago.
According to State Attorney Larry Basford, Roosevelt Kirk sought a reduced sentence after serving decades in prison for the killing. Kirk was 15 years old at the time of the crime, when he shot a defenseless store clerk twice in the chest during a robbery.
Under Florida law, individuals who were sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed as juveniles are entitled to a sentence review hearing after 25 years to determine whether they have demonstrated rehabilitation and are eligible for a modified sentence.
Kirk received that review hearing on December 11, 2025. During the proceeding, Assistant Chief Prosecutor Mark Graham of the 14th Judicial Circuit and members of the victim’s family argued strongly against his release.
After reviewing the case, Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay issued a ruling denying Kirk’s request for a modified sentence, meaning he will remain in prison.
Family members of the victim said they were relieved by the decision.
“At 15, you know right from wrong,” said Debra Needham, the victim’s granddaughter. “He not only shot her one time, he made the decision to shoot her again. He made that choice, no one else.”
The ruling comes 43 years after the killing, bringing renewed attention to the case and reaffirming the original sentence handed down in the decades-old murder.
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