George Carter’s Grave
Antonio Labaron Melton
Facts of the Crime:
Antonio Lebaron Melton and his friend, Bendleon Lewis, entered George Carter’s pawnshop in Pensacola on January 23, 1991. According to Lewis, who was granted immunity by the State to testify against Melton, he pretended to be interested in pawning a necklace. When Carter weighed the necklace, Melton pulled a .38-caliber gun from his pants and focused it on Carter while Lewis robbed the store. As Lewis was unlocking the door to leave, he heard a gunshot.
According to Melton, while Lewis was talking to Carter about the necklace, Melton put on surgical gloves and reached for a ring. Carter observed this and reached for a gun that he had. Lewis grabbed Carter’s hands while Melton pulled out his own gun.
Melton then proceeded to take Carter’s gun. Melton stated that Carter rushed him then fell and hit his head. Melton then told Carter to remain still, but Carter reached for Melton’s hand that held the gun. The two struggled for the weapon, which resulted in Carter being fatally shot in the head. Despite the conflicting stories, the one undisputed fact that remains is that Melton held the gun that fired the shot that ultimately killed Carter.
Melton was sentenced to death in Escambia County on May 19, 1992.
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