2 Bethune-Cookman University students shot near park in Daytona Beach, police say

Students hospitalized in stable, critical condition

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two Bethune-Cookman University students are in the hospital after being shot early Saturday near a park in Daytona Beach, according to a police statement provided to News 6.

The shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. near Joe Harris Park, leaving one of the victims in stable condition and the other in critical condition, but both are alive and undergoing treatment, Daytona Beach police said.

“Right outside of our dorm area, it’s just an unsafe, uneasy feeling,” sophomore NKendi Eke said.

From a residence hall on McLeod Avenue, another BCU student shared video of the emergency response.

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Through dispatch recordings, first responders reported a male victim in a car shot himself and a bullet struck a female victim in the car, as well.

Police reported a third person took the students to the hospital.

“There was another female in the car that got shot accidentally while he was shooting himself and the gun was going off,” a first responder reported. “We’re still trying to work through it, but they’re both hysterical right now,” the audio continues.

A university email to students reads the shooting happened after an altercation off-campus.

“As a university, we are saddened by this and will continue to pray for our fellow Wildcats and their families,” the email read.

Investigators could not provide any suspect information other than that they were unsure of the suspects or suspects’ relation to the victims, if any, according to the statement.

“As a student who goes here, I’m definitely concerned about my safety,” senior Malik Bynum said. “I just don’t want anything to happen while I’m here trying to get my education.”

Student Alexus McGhee said she’s focused on her education as well.

“But instead, we’re learning more about gun violence and how it’s in our school,” she said.

On Sunday, Daytona Beach police said the victims are a 21 year-old-male and a 23-year-old female.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information are asked to contact Detective Zachary Ravi at ravizachary@dbpd.us.

Daytona Beach police are still investigating.

This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for the latest updates.


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About the Authors:

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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