Largo Repair Shop Owner, Customer Die After Exchanging Gunfire

LARGO, FL — Largo police detectives said the fatal shooting Sept. 27 at Stout’s Automotive in Largo was the result of a dispute between the owner and a former customer who was dissatisfied with the service he received.

The shooting occurred at 11:26 a.m. at the business at 1801 S Belcher Road.

Detectives said the customer, Eugene Frank Becker, 78, walked in and asked to speak to the owner, Jodie Stout, 52. Becker then produced a handgun and began firing at Stout who produced his own gun and fired back.

According to detectives, Becker was apparently angry because he felt he'd been overcharged for repairs done in 2021.

Both Stout and Becker were taken to the hospital where they died.