A fatal shooting unfolded in the parking lot of Wally’s Poolhall at 1136 East Main Street in Lakeland Florida shortly after 12:35 a.m. on March 5, 2026 when an argument between two patrons escalated into an exchange of gunfire. Lakeland Police Department officers arrived within minutes to find 48-year-old Steven Michael Magee of Lakeland lying unconscious on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Paramedics rushed him to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead despite aggressive treatment. The incident occurred outside the popular billiard hall and bar that serves as a regular gathering spot for locals in this central Polk County city drawing crowds for pool games and late night socializing along the busy East Main Street corridor.
Witness accounts and surveillance evidence showed the confrontation began inside the establishment before spilling into the parking lot. One man identified as Kevin Lamont Reed Jr. of Lakeland initially walked away from the dispute but quickly turned back drew a handgun and fired multiple rounds directly at Magee.
Magee who had been attempting to de-escalate the situation pulled his own firearm and returned fire in self defense. A handgun was recovered near Magee on the sidewalk as officers secured the scene and began interviewing patrons who had been inside Wally’s Poolhall at the time of the shooting.
Steven Michael Magee was a skilled trim carpenter and devoted family man known throughout Lakeland as a high school sweetheart to his wife Bridget with whom he shared five children. The couple spent many evenings at Wally’s Poolhall where Bridget worked part time as a bartender and where Steve had become a beloved regular for his friendly non confrontational personality and skill at the tables.
Friends recalled him as someone who always tried to break up fights and keep the peace describing him as the kind of person who brightened every room he entered with his love for motorcycles and good conversation.
Kevin Lamont Reed Jr. age 23 fled the parking lot immediately after the gunfire but was located and arrested at his Lakeland residence around 10 p.m. on March 5 without incident. He faces charges of second degree murder and tampering with physical evidence after detectives reviewed video evidence and witness statements that contradicted any claim of self defense. Reed had been inside Wally’s Poolhall earlier that night with two female companions before the argument began and his arrest brought a swift resolution to the initial phase of the investigation.
Bridget Magee has spoken publicly about her husband’s efforts to avoid confrontation that night expressing deep regret that she could not convince him to stay home. The Lakeland community has rallied with tributes at Wally’s Poolhall including bottles of Steve’s favorite Heineken beer lined up outside and a shot of Jameson left at the bar in his honor. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Bridget and the couple’s five children as they navigate the loss of a man remembered for his steady presence and unwavering kindness.
Lakeland Police Department detectives continue to investigate the March 5 shooting with a focus on gathering additional video and witness details from the East Main Street area. No other injuries were reported and authorities have stated the incident appears isolated with no ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information or surveillance footage from the parking lot of Wally’s Poolhall around 12:35 a.m. is urged to contact the department to assist in finalizing the case.