Plantation, FL – A 51-year-old Florida man, Ronald James Davis, who reportedly goes by the nickname “Sugar Daddy,” was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder following a deadly shooting at the Plantation Motel in Plantation, a city west of Fort Lauderdale, on July 6, 2025.
The early morning attack, which left one man dead and a woman critically injured, was allegedly triggered by Davis’s anger over a towed car and a traffic ticket. Held without bond in Broward County Jail, Davis’s case has drawn attention for its chilling details and the broader context of gun violence in South Florida.
The Outburst at the Motel
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the Plantation Motel.
Police arrived to find a man lying face down in a pool of blood, dead from gunshot wounds, and a woman inside a motel room, also shot and losing consciousness from severe blood loss. Before undergoing emergency surgery, the woman identified Davis as the shooter, providing a critical lead for investigators.
Four witnesses described the events leading up to the violence. They told police that Davis arrived at the motel visibly upset after receiving a traffic ticket and having his car towed. He confronted the female victim, demanding money she allegedly owed him and threatening to assault her if she didn’t pay.
After leaving briefly, Davis returned an hour later, pounding on the motel room door. He then entered and opened fire, striking the male victim standing near a bed and the female victim as he moved through the room.
Witnesses reported Davis saying, “All y’all gonna learn today,” as he shot the woman and fired additional rounds at the man. With an “angry look on his face,” Davis fled in a truck, according to the affidavit.
The Investigation and Arrest
Police located and arrested Davis, who was uncooperative during questioning. He told detectives, “I’m going to do you a favor, check the text messages,” but refused to provide further details. The affidavit did not elaborate on the content of the messages or their relevance to the case.
Davis now faces charges of first-degree murder for the man’s death and attempted murder for the woman’s shooting, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 15, 2025. The victims’ identities have not been released, pending notification of their families.
Whispers From The Community
The shooting has stunned the Plantation community, raising concerns about gun violence and personal disputes escalating to deadly outcomes. On X, reactions ranged from grief to outrage.
“This is heartbreaking—two lives shattered over a towed car?” one user posted. Another wrote, “Florida needs to get a grip on gun violence before more tragedies like this.” The incident adds to a string of violent events in the region, amplifying calls for stronger prevention measures.
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A Troubled Suspect and Legal Road Ahead
Davis’s nickname, “Sugar Daddy,” and his alleged demands for money suggest a pattern of financial disputes that may have fueled the confrontation.
The affidavit’s account of his taunting words during the shooting paints a picture of calculated rage, which prosecutors are likely to emphasize as they pursue the murder charges. With no bond granted, Davis faces a high-stakes legal battle that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
The Plantation community mourns the loss of one life and prays for the recovery of the surviving victim.
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