ST. LOUIS – Jurors have convicted a father in the shooting of a St. Louis youth football coach following an apparent dispute over his son’s playing time.

A jury found Daryl B. Clemmons, 45, guilty of armed criminal action and first-degree assault charges in the shooting of Shaquille Latimore, 34, on Oct. 10, 2023.

Latimore was shot near a practice field at St. Louis’ Sherman Park while a group of nine- and ten-year-old football players were practicing nearby. At the time, he was a volunteer coach for the City Rec Legends Football League.

Investigators say Clemmons had been at odds with Latimore over his son’s playing time for some time. Clemmons reportedly fired five shots, with Shaq testifying that at least a couple of those were after he had fallen from the first gunshots.

During closing arguments Thursday, Clemmons claimed that it was self-defense, alleging that Shaq challenged him to a fight while holding a gun and also pursued Clemmons relentlessly near the practice field.

Clemmons turned himself into police later that evening.

“Violence, especially in youth sports, is completely unacceptable and undermines the purpose of these programs – teaching teamwork, discipline, and respect,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “This could easily have been a lethal encounter for the coach as well as for the children and family members present. Unfortunately, the trauma of this event will not be easily forgotten by all those who witnessed it.”

A sentencing hearing is set for March 14, but the state is seeking a sentence of no more than 13 years.