LAKELAND, FL — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of two individuals following a shooting on Wednesday, March 10, 2026, at Captiva Point in Lakeland, according to the arrest affidavit.
Deputies responded to the scene after receiving reports of a male suspect who had shot a victim and fled in a black GMC SUV. The victim, identified in the affidavit as a cousin of DeWayne Collins, was struck in the left shoulder. The victim was transported by private vehicle, driven by witness, to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he was admitted for treatment.
Investigators determined the incident stemmed from an ongoing child custody dispute between DeWayne Collins and his ex-girlfriend, Kentelia Dupree, and her boyfriend, Malachi Eason.
According to the PCSO, around 10:55 a.m., DeWayne Collins received a phone call from Kentelia Dupree’s phone that was answered by Malachi Eason. During the call, Eason allegedly threatened to “pull up” and “shoot the residence up.” Investigators said a follow-up text message from Dupree’s phone, sent by Eason, read: “Don’t call the police on my way!”
Around 12:40 p.m., the victim informed people inside the residence that an unknown male was outside with a firearm. The victim exited the residence and stood near the northwest corner of the home.
An argument occurred across the street. Multiple witnesses reported that Eason brandished a firearm and fired between three and six shots toward the group. As they fled toward the residence, the victim was struck in the left shoulder by gunfire. Investigators said Eason then entered a black GMC SUV and left the scene.
A short time later, deputies located the suspect vehicle, a black GMC Yukon, at the intersection of West Lake Parker Drive and Garden Street East. A felony traffic stop was conducted, resulting in the arrests of Malachi Eason and Kentelia Dupree. Three children, ages 2, 3, and 4, were found in the rear of the vehicle.
During the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle, investigators recovered a black Palmetto State Armory Dagger 9mm handgun with a tan grip and attached black laser/flashlight combination inside Kentelia Dupree’s black purse on the driver’s floorboard. Dupree identified the purse as hers but told investigators she had no knowledge of the firearm inside. Deputies also located 0.47 grams of cannabis in the driver’s side door that field-tested positive for THC above 0.3 percent, along with drug paraphernalia consisting of a clear plastic bag containing the substance.
In a recorded interview with investigators, Malachi Eason denied the shooting. He stated the group had gone to Secret Cove for a planned child exchange, where Collins was not present, and said they were on the way to pick up Darrius Thompson when they were stopped by law enforcement.
According to the affidavit, Malachi Eason faces the following charges:
• 3 counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder
• 1 count of Shooting Into a Dwelling/Residence
• 1 count of Culpable Negligence
• 1 count of Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area
• 3 counts of Child Neglect
• 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Kentelia Dupree faces the following charges:
•1 count of Accessory After the Fact
• 3 counts of Child Neglect
• 1 count of Possession of Cannabis
• 1 count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Both suspects were transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident. Investigators said the investigation remains ongoing as the Forensic Investigative Unit processes multiple scenes. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & ARREST AFFIDAVIT
