Boca Raton Jury Convicts Teen of Second-Degree Murder
A jury found Dylan Dantas guilty of murdering 18-year-old Kaleb Cobourne at a local home in 2023.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted Dylan Dantas of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor in the 2023 death of Kaleb Cobourne. The shooting took place at a home on the 6800 block of Bianchini Circle in Boca Raton.
Why it matters
The conviction follows a legal dispute where a judge rejected the defendant's attempt to dismiss the murder charge by invoking Florida's Stand Your Ground law. This ruling confirms the rejection of a self-defense claim regarding the August 2023 incident.
A jury delivered the guilty verdict on October 28, 2026, following the denial of a motion to dismiss charges in February 2026. The defendant is awaiting a further court appearance scheduled for December 9, 2026.
The players
Dylan Dantas
He is the individual convicted of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Kaleb Cobourne
He was the 18-year-old victim killed during the shooting incident in Boca Raton.
The details
Surveillance footage captured Dantas, who was 15 at the time, inviting 18-year-old Kaleb Cobourne to the backyard of the Bianchini Circle home. While Dantas initially called 911 claiming self-defense, deputies used cell phone communications to determine he had lured the victim into the yard.
Timeline
August 7, 2023: Dylan Dantas shot and killed Kaleb Cobourne.
February 2026: A judge denied the motion to dismiss the murder charge.
October 28, 2026: The jury convicted Dylan Dantas on both counts.
December 9, 2026: A court date is scheduled for the convicted defendant.
Legal Context
This case centers on the interpretation of Florida's Stand Your Ground law, which often serves as a focal point in local criminal proceedings involving claims of self-defense. The jury's verdict signals a shift from cases where such statutes are successfully invoked to prevent trial.
The resolution of this case provides clarity to the local community regarding the events that occurred on the 6800 block of Bianchini Circle. Residents and nearby businesses remain informed through the formal conclusion of the judicial process.
The takeaway
This verdict underscores the rigorous judicial scrutiny applied to claims of self-defense in lethal encounters involving minors. Legal experts note that cell phone evidence and surveillance footage remain critical tools in evaluating the circumstances surrounding violent crimes.
What happens next
The defendant is scheduled to appear in court again on December 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local criminal proceedings, visit the Boca Raton Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPBF.
