SANFORD, Fla – Nearly a week after a mass shooting in Sanford injured eight people, police say there are still no arrests and no suspect has been publicly named.
On Friday night, neighbors, faith leaders and city leaders including the mayor and police chief gathered in the Goldsboro community near the scene of last Saturday’s shooting for a vigil and prayer service.
Several people were moved to tears, and say gatherings like this should not be a one-time thing. Coming together, they said, is how the community heals.
During the event at Coastline Park, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said the shooting “didn’t start here,” telling the crowd the violence came into the neighborhood.
He also said the incident had nothing to do with Zy’erric Wynn or his family.
The 18-year-old died in a crash six years ago, and the shooting took place during a yearly celebration of his life.
Sanford native Ashley Pick, who sang at the vigil, said the community cannot allow fear to keep people from returning.
“Some people may be afraid to come back here, but we’re here as witnesses and as Christian leaders in that we are not afraid,” Pick said.
Smith said investigators are trying to piece together what happened. However, earlier Friday a police department spokesperson said they had only received eight Crimeline tips.
“I know that there is this perception of fear of wanting to work with the police department,” he said. “Look, if we want to make this community better, we have to be able to trust one another, we have to be able to talk to one another.”
Smith urged anyone who was in the area the night of the shooting to check their phones – including Snapchat and other social media – for photos or video that might show two BMW 530I Series 4-door sedans police say were seen driving recklessly near the area.
Smith said police have the cars and are working to identify the drivers.
“It’s like a thousand-piece puzzle,” he said. “Putting all of those pieces of the puzzle together to make a whole takes a little bit of time, it takes a little patience.”
Christopher Crawford, who lives in Sanford, said he hopes the vigil is a step toward getting investigators the answers they need to find justice for the victims.
“I think there’s a point in time where you have to just overcome your fears and just do what you need to do and say what you need to say,” Crawford said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crimeline. Tips can be made anonymously.
