Friends of teen who died in Winter Park attack shocked; no arrests made

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A teenager beaten in Central Park in Winter Park died Monday, the Winter Park Police Department said.

Roger Trindade, 15, had been on life support since the attack Saturday night and appeared to be brain dead, his pastor told Channel 9.

He was taken off life support Monday night. The police department said they are waiting on the results of an autopsy to find out his exact cause of death.

The Trindade family thanked the community for their thoughts and prayers, but asked for privacy at this time.

Friends of Trindade began leaving flowers where he was killed. They said he had an infectious smile.

“He was always laughing. I’ve never seen him sad,” said Winter Park High School student Joao Faya.

Faya said Trindade was one of his closest friends. Both teenagers were born in Brazil, and Trindade moved to Winter Park with his family about a year ago.

The principal of Winter Park High School sent a voice message to parents letting them know grief counselors will be available for students.

“The tragedy that occurred in the community leading to our student’s death leaves us all with many questions, and we are here to support students,” the message said.

Students are still coming to grips with Trindade’s death.

“It was shocking when we heard. I’m like, ‘That’s not the right kid. That can’t be the kid.’ And it was hard to process,” said Parker Sawyer, a friend of the victim.

"Roger Trindade was a good kid. Winter Park High School student. Loving family, certainly did not deserve this fate and our hearts certainly go out to his family," said Winter Park Police Chief Michael Deal.

Winter Park police said a fight broke out at Central Park near the intersection of Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard at about 10 p.m. and that witnesses said Trindade was sprayed with something.

"We don't know exactly what it was. We don't believe it was mace or pepper spray. It was more of an odor spray that prompted maybe the altercation or confrontation," Deal said.

Police said during a news conference Tuesday that the death appears to be an isolated incident.

"There is no indication he was targeted," Deal said.

Winter Park police said in a statement Tuesday: “Roger Trindade attended the Winter Park High School. Roger was in the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), had many friends, and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. The Trindade family is very thankful for all the extended communities’ thoughts and prayers. The family has requested privacy at this time to mourn the loss of their son.  They further request that any other information or questions regarding this incident be directed to the Winter Park Police Department Investigations Division.  Thank you in advance for respecting the family’s request for privacy.”

Police have not said how many juveniles were involved, but that they've identified people involved or present at the time of the fight. The Winter Park police chief did confirm some of the teens involved attend Winter Park High School.

A police report was released Monday, and while most of it was redacted, it did say hands and fists were used as weapons in a fight. The report provided no further information.

Police said the fight does not appear to be gang-related or a hate crime.

The pastor, who asked not to be identified, said he spent time at the hospital to pray with the teen’s family.

“There were cop cars everywhere blocking the street. There was at least six or seven of them, and a couple ambulances,” said Lauren Cooke, who was at Central Park Saturday night.

Cooke said she saw police officers speaking with multiple teenagers standing nearby.

“There were like dozens and dozens of kids all around this area and caution tape all around these trees,” Cooke said. “We had no idea what was going on."

Rumors were swirling Monday among Winter Park High School students.

"We don't know what happened. We don't know who did it," said student Ashley Julison.

Julison said the victim was a friend and classmate.

"He was just a cool person to be around, and to think that someone could want to do something like that to him or want to hurt him in that kind of way, it's hard to process," Julison said.

According to Julison, the victim was hanging out with another friend on Park Avenue and didn't know the people who beat him up.

"Just based on the fact that he was who he was, I can't see any reason why anyone would want to do something so malicious to him, honestly," she said. "That's our friend. That's someone's son. That's someone's brother. You know, that's our classmate. It's hard."

The Winter Park police chief said he's not trying to hide any details of the investigation, just that's he's trying to be sensitive to the family's privacy during this difficult time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Winter Park Police Department at 407-644-1313.

Cox Media Group