Daytona Beach Man Arrested for Pistol-Whipping Rick Ross’s Son

Key points

• William Roberts III, a football player at Bethune-Cookman University, was attacked on October 11, 2026, near the campus in Daytona Beach.
• Don Roberts III, 20, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.
• The suspect allegedly shouted, 'I don't care who your daddy is, I'll kill you right here,' before striking the victim with a tan-colored handgun.
• The victim reported the incident to police the following day, citing fear as the reason for the delay, and identified the suspect in a photo lineup.
• The attack is believed to be related to a previous romantic relationship between the suspect and a woman the victim was speaking with at the time.

Background

This incident occurred shortly after Rick Ross, 50, surrendered to Miami Beach police on October 1, 2026, facing felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an alleged August 28 incident at his Star Island home. Ross was released on a $5,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty, with his arraignment scheduled for October 22, 2026.

How outlets are covering it

WESH and WKMG report the core facts of the assault and arrest, emphasizing the suspect's threat and the victim's delayed report. The New York Post highlights the timing of the attack relative to Rick Ross's recent domestic violence arrest, framing it as a series of incidents involving the rapper's family. The Yahoo source, while largely obscured by technical code, references a public offer from rapper 50 Cent to help free the accused, adding a layer of celebrity involvement not detailed in the other outlets.

Why it matters

The case highlights the intersection of celebrity status and local crime, drawing attention to the safety of public figures' families. It also underscores the legal consequences of aggravated assault in Florida and the role of delayed reporting in criminal investigations.

What to watch

Don Roberts III is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on no bond. The next legal step will likely be a court hearing to determine bail or continued detention, while the victim may pursue civil action or further criminal proceedings.