Boys injured in domestic shooting remain hospitalized

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 7-year-old boy and his 8-year-old brother who police said were critically wounded in a shooting Monday remain hospitalized.

The boys, Brendon and Branden Christian, are out of the intensive care unit at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, but are still in critical condition, police said.

Branden was shot twice, Brendon was shot once, investigators said.

The boys’ father was seen being escorted into the hospital by security and staff.

Relatives said they waited outside the hospital for hours waiting for word on the boys’ condition.

Both victims remain hospitalized after undergoing surgeries.

“They came out of intensive care. They’re opening their eyes and everything,” said the boys’ grandfather, Theodore Jones.

Police said the boys were shot by their mother’s ex-boyfriend, Allen Cashe, 31. Investigators said Cashe also fatally shot the boys’ mother, LaTina Herring, critically wounded their grandfather and randomly shot two bystanders at a nearby intersection. They’re both in stable condition.

Officers found an AK-47 rifle in Cashe's vehicle when he was arrested. Cashe was booked into the Seminole County Jail on multiple charges.

Police said one of the bystanders is Rakeya Jackson, 18, who was waiting at her bus stop when she was shot. They said she is a student at Winter Springs High School.

The bystanders are in stable condition.

Jones said the children are very involved in sports and were preparing to return to school after enjoying spring break.

Seminole County Superintendent Walt Griffin released a statement Monday about the three injured students, each of whom attends a Seminole County school.

“I am saddened to hear of the domestic violence related shooting that took place in Sanford this morning,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the families of these young and innocent children.”

Griffin said grief counselors will be available at all of the affected schools Tuesday.

Cox Media Group