UPDATE: A deadly shooting near the Players Championship has resulted in the arrest of Christian Joseph Barrios, a 32-year-old felon with a troubling criminal history. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on March 13, 2025, in the Walgreens parking lot located at 860 N. Florida A1A near Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tragically, both victims succumbed to their injuries after being shot multiple times.
According to St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, Barrios, who was on probation at the time of the shooting, has an extensive record with around 27 prior arrests. Hardwick described the situation as “embarrassing” and expressed his frustration, stating, “This thug’s criminal history is embarrassing. It makes me sick to my stomach.” The sheriff further emphasized the toll this violence takes on families, saying, “Here we are dumping all these resources and families are gonna mourn two people that were shot and killed in a parking lot.”
The victims, whose identities remain undisclosed, were known to each other and were not residents of St. Johns County. Authorities confirmed that the shooting was a result of a domestic violence situation, although specifics are still under investigation. Barrios was captured hours later in Nassau County after fleeing the scene.
Court records reveal that Barrios had only recently been released from prison on July 7, 2025, after serving time for grand theft auto. He was on supervised release due to a probation sentence stemming from drug-related charges. His probation was set to end on August 14, 2027. Past offenses include trafficking in stolen property and providing false information to a pawn broker, marking a long history of criminal behavior dating back to 2016.
Sheriff Hardwick noted that Barrios’ history of violence includes a previous injunction for protection against him filed by a 26-year-old woman last year, who alleged threats and abusive behavior. The injunction is valid through October 2025.
Barrios’ mother reportedly assisted law enforcement by identifying him during the investigation, highlighting a troubling family dynamic amid the chaos.
This situation remains under active investigation as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the shooting. With the community still reeling from this tragic event, residents are urged to stay informed as updates are expected to unfold.
As this story develops, it serves as a chilling reminder of the impacts of domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention and support in such situations. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
