Nathaniel Baez was shopping with friends and a small child at a Florida Walmart when he became the target of violence allegedly set in motion by an employee who felt wronged by a simple glance, according to court documents.
The 23-year-old was fatally shot near the checkout area on July 19, 2023, after Roberto Acevedo — then 20 years old and working as a "digital shopper" at the Florida City superstore — allegedly called his armed friends to confront Baez over what he perceived as a threatening look.
Background
The confrontation began innocuously. According to the lawsuit filed by Baez's family, they were browsing the store when they encountered Acevedo, who was in uniform and pulling items for online orders with a large shopping cart.
Acevedo's training required him to position his cart so it did not obstruct shoppers, but he allegedly left it blocking an aisle. As the Baez group squeezed between the cart and a freezer, one of Baez's friends reportedly glared at Acevedo and muttered something under their breath.
The lawsuit claims Acevedo interpreted this as a threat — believing "the Baez Group was going to jump him." Rather than following Walmart policy and notifying management, Acevedo allegedly called his sister, brother, and eventually his brother's girlfriend, who was with two men: Steve Lestin and Ji'mari Hodge.
"He got it in his head that these people are going to jump me and instead of doing the one thing he was required to do which is call your manager, he decided to call his armed friends," attorney Todd Michaels told WPLG.
The Investigation
When Lestin and Hodge arrived at the store, they joined Acevedo in seeking out the Baez group. Upon approaching them, one of Baez's friends passed the small child to another person for safety as strangers approached demanding to know why they had a problem with Acevedo.
An altercation ensued. Words were exchanged, punches thrown — and then Lestin allegedly drew his firearm and opened fire, killing Baez and striking an elderly man standing near checkout with his wife, according to the lawsuit filing.
"This entire incident would have been avoided had Acevedo, on the clock and working for Walmart simply followed his training and duty, and notified management," the document charges. "Instead, his actions led to a murder of an innocent customer."
Lestin is facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with Baez's death. Hodge has been charged with battery. Acevedo also faces a battery charge.
"You destroyed a family," Baez's mother, Betsabe Santos, told WPLG.
Key Takeaways
- Nathaniel Baez, 23, was shot and killed while shopping at a Florida City Walmart on July 19, 2023
- Employee Roberto Acevedo allegedly summoned armed friends Steve Lestin and Ji'mari Hodge after a customer allegedly glared at him
- Acevedo's training required him to notify management of threats — not contact outside parties with firearms
- Lestin faces second-degree murder and attempted murder charges; Acevedo and Hodge face battery charges
- Baez's family is suing both Walmart and Acevedo, arguing the retailer bears responsibility for an employee's on-the-clock actions
What's Next
Criminal proceedings against Lestin, Hodge, and Acevedo continue in Florida courts. The civil lawsuit filed by Baez's family seeks damages from Walmart and its employee, with arguments centered on the retailer's duty to maintain safe premises and the company's alleged failure to ensure Acevedo followed proper protocols when feeling threatened.
Walmart has not responded to requests for comment about the suit but previously stated an associate had been suspended following the shooting.