Fort Pierce Gunman Gets 13 Years for Violent Carjacking

FORT PIERCE, FL – Xavier Daughtry, 25, will spend the next 13 years in federal prison after a South Florida jury convicted him of carjacking and obstructing justice. The incident, a brazen act of violence, unfolded at a Fort Pierce gas station, leaving the victim shaken and Daughtry facing a lengthy sentence.

On May 9, 2022, the victim returned to her 2022 Nissan Altima after a quick stop inside the gas station on U.S. Hwy 1. Daughtry was already attempting to enter the vehicle. When confronted, he didn’t hesitate – he brandished a loaded .45 caliber pistol, shoving it in the victim’s face and demanding she “back the f— up.” He then stole the car, leaving the woman terrified and calling 911.

Fort Pierce Police Department responded immediately, issuing a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert for the stolen Altima. Within eight minutes, officers spotted the vehicle turning onto Saint Frances Drive and initiated a traffic stop. Inside, officers found Daughtry and a fully loaded Llama Minimax .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun resting on the driver’s seat.

The subsequent trial wasn’t smooth sailing for Daughtry. Federal prosecutors successfully argued for a sentencing enhancement due to his attempts to obstruct the legal proceedings. U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks ultimately handed down the 13-year sentence, acknowledging the severity of the crime, the use of a firearm, and Daughtry’s attempts to derail justice.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI Miami, Fort Pierce Resident Agency, ATF, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Pierce Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Porter and Justin Hoover secured the conviction and sentence.

Carjacking isn’t just theft; it’s a violent takeover that leaves victims traumatized and communities on edge. The feds are sending a clear message: brandishing a firearm during a carjacking, and then attempting to obstruct justice, will result in significant federal prison time. This case highlights the dedication of law enforcement to removing dangerous individuals from the streets and holding them accountable for their actions.