The year 2022 marked one of the darkest times in FSU football director Devin Rispress’s life. He lost a close friend, Demario “Ro” Murray, in a mass shooting at Half Time Liquors in Tallahassee. Now, on his birthday, he is paying tribute to his friend and his little brother.

“Today is an emotional day, but I’ll smile through the pain,” Devin Rispress said on X. “My best friend, who was gunned down as an innocent bystander 4 years ago birthday is today. Him and my mom are buried at the same cemetery. I only visit two times of year, and that’s on their birthdays. Happy Birthday, Ro and mama I hope you’re proud of me. I love ya’ll, continue to watch over us.”

Nine people were shot, but Murray was the only person who lost his life. His death left behind his three daughters. But they aren’t alone. The FSU football director, who is the godfather to Murray’s three daughters, has stood by them through the tough times. The loss has been compounded by his mother’s passing. Last year on his birthday, Rispress broke down while reflecting on the pain of losing both his mother, Joann N. Rispress, and his close friend.

“Besides my mom passing, this was the hardest death I’ve had to deal with,” the FSU football director added. “My lil brother who i raised since he was freshman in high school, was killed as an innocent bystander, and I’m the God father of both of his kids. Today is his birthday, and we linked up with his mom to share our pain. Life comes at you fast, so be prepared. #LLRO.”

What hurts the most is that the police confirmed that Murray was not even standing in the area where the shooting broke out, yet he was tragically struck by gunfire and killed.

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“The deceased subject is not believed to have been an active participant in the shooting incident,” the cause affidavit reads.

Murray’s death was part of a larger, troubling trend in the city. In 2023, city police data revealed 70 shootings left 56 people injured, and 19 died in the city back in 2023. This raises concerns about people’s safety in the city.

Police eventually arrested one suspect, De’Arius Cannon. He got a 13-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of attempted manslaughter and not guilty of second-degree murder. But that doesn’t make up for the families who lost their loved ones in that misery, especially for Murray’s mother, who couldn’t believe the news.

“The pain that I endure every day—I don’t want that pain for nobody else,” Sandra Horne said. “This pain will never, ever go away.”

Even if Murray is no longer with his family and friends, he left a lasting impact on all.

Demario “Ro” Murray’s ties with FSU

Murray has deep ties with the FSU staff, as their ground supervisor, Kaliah Wooden, knew him for about three years. He often used to park near him at work, which gave them time with each other. His death took a hard toll on him, as just days before his tragic death, he met him talking about the plans he had for his daughters.

He told Wooden how he already has a plan to take his two daughters to FAMU’s homecoming parade the next day.

“He was really dedicated to his work and family,” Wooden said. “Whatever you need from Mario, he’ll give it to you — no questions asked.”

His loss cut him deep, as they used to work together doing overtime during the FSU football game against Clemson back in 2022. Their similar mindset and common thoughts brought them closer. But now those are just memories living in the hearts of Murray’s friends.