SANFORD, Fla. – Tuesday marks one month since a 21-year-old man was shot in Sanford, and his loved ones say they are still looking for answers.
A report News 6 obtained from Sanford Police shows Chris Houston was rushed to the hospital with gunshot injuries on June 8, shortly after the shooting near West 12th Street and Pecan Avenue.
Officers who responded to the neighborhood to investigate were told the shooting happened near a BBQ pit.
Kandyce King, who said Houston was like a son to her, told News 6 the 21-year-old had stopped to eat a chicken sandwich on the way to church when he was shot nine times.
“He did not pass until Father’s Day, one week later,” King said. “We don’t know what took place. He cannot give us his side of the story. We just want to know why. It was silent. Nobody heard about it. It wasn’t on the news. It wasn’t on the Facebook police page.”
When our News 6 team reached out to Sanford Police asking about the case, a spokesperson said the investigation “is active and ongoing.” We were also told that cases “with indications or claims of self-defense” need to be thoroughly investigated before an arrest — if any — would be made.
King said she has heard multiple stories about what might have happened, but she just wants the truth to come out.
“He was just there for a chicken sandwich. He wasn’t there to cause no harm,” said King.
King, who called Houston a “gentle giant,” said that she had a close bond with him and they were brought together by faith. The pair met through King’s non-profit “Chosen,” which she said aims to empower youth and young adults to better their lives.
Houston, who King said was originally from South Florida, had been living in Sanford for the past two years.
“He literally left Homestead to get away from gun violence, to come up here for peace and safety, only to end up facing it,” King said.
King recalled going to visit Houston in the hospital before he passed.
“When I saw Chris, tears just came down his face, and I told Chris, I said, ‘Don’t cry now,’” King said.
King said the fact that Houston was shot on a Sunday before church was devastating.
“Chris actually gave his life to Christ six weeks before all of this transpired,” King said.
She met his biological mother for the first time after the shooting in June.
“I’m only his spiritual mom. His mom was here with questions that we don’t have answers to give her,” King said.
King said the family is planning a service for Houston on July 19.
“He was the peacemaker of the bunch, you know? And it’s funny, that. The good flowers always have to leave first, right?’ said King. “His connection to me wasn’t a blood connection, but I guess blood can’t make you family, it’s the love that connects. And I miss him a lot, a lot, a lot.”
Sanford police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information to come forward. They say witness cooperation is “instrumental” in cases like this.
You can read their full statement on the ongoing investigation below:
“The investigation is active and ongoing. In cases with indications or claims of self-defense, those aspects must be thoroughly investigated before an arrest (if any) would take place. We are asking for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident to come forward and speak with law enforcement. Witness cooperation is instrumental in cases such as these.”