GIFFORD — A 30-year-old man who deputies said drove the vehicle involved in a fatal April 2018 drive-by shooting was arrested early Wednesday, authorities report.
Deputies said Dominique Riggins aided his younger cousin, former Sebastian High School football star Jamal Riggins Jr., in carrying out a shooting that stemmed from an argument. The incident left 19-year-old Christard Hicks, of Fort Pierce, dead after he was struck while standing with a group of friends.
After the shooting, Jamal Riggins told a friend that “Christard was never the target,” court records show.
Dominique Riggins
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies arrested Dominique Riggins, of the 4200 block of 36th Court, Gifford, on a charge of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Riggins, who was wanted by deputies, was held Wednesday at the Indian River County Jail on $250,000 bond.
Several witnesses identified Riggins as the driver of the black Chrysler Sedan involved, reports show. The shooting happened about 5 p.m. in the 4400 block of 25th Avenue, Gifford, authorities said.
Witnesses identified Jamal Riggins Jr. as the front passenger who sprayed bullets into the crowd, reports show. Deputies obtained phone records that showed the cousins exchanging phone calls with each other minutes before and after the shooting.
Jamal Riggins
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
In July 2018, the grand jury indicted Jamal Riggins on several charges, including first-degree murder with a firearm, four counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Dominique Riggins, who deputies said is the registered owner of the Sedan, denied involvement in the incident.
Dominique Riggins told deputies that a loaded Ruger 5.56 rifle that was in the trunk of the Sedan belonged to his friend, reports show. Inside the vehicle, deputies found a receipt for a purchased Kel-Tec .223 rifle from Indian River Sportsman shooting range.
It was unknown if the Kel-Tec rifle had been found. Detectives noted that .223 rifle rounds and projectiles were found on the ground and in the walls of a home at the crime scene, reports show.
Jamal Riggins remains at the Indian River County Jail without bond and was due in court Wednesday. Dominique Riggins’ arraignment was set for 8:45 a.m. May 10, court records show.
This story will be updated.