ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Family members of two of the victims of the Poppy Park shooting in Orlando on Easter Sunday said the women were caught in the crossfire of a shootout while enjoying the holiday on their front porch.
The family said Patriza Deterville, 33, and one of the injured women were across the street from the park when 16-year-old Tristan Morgan drove up, got out of his car and opened fire on the family hunting for eggs in the park.
They said one of the family members shot back, hitting Morgan, Deterville and the injured woman.
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In all, three people died in the shooting and two were injured.
Police have said everyone involved in the shooting was accounted for, but have declined to name any suspects. The family’s account could explain why.
If the family’s version of events is true, holding anyone accountable for Deterville’s death could be difficult. According to attorneys specializing in gun laws, Florida places the responsibility for all deaths in a shootout on the instigator, regardless of where the bullet came from.
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The only exception to that would be in cases of extreme negligence where “stand your ground” couldn’t apply, they explained.
“I’m not angry, I’m just real sad and upset because those are my kids,” Cynthia Blair, mother-in-law to Deterville, said. “They’re gone, one of them, and can’t take care of their kids, and gone for no reason whatsoever.”
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Following a vigil for Deterville Tuesday night, Blair said Deterville had just given birth to a baby who would grow up without a mother.
She, as many others did, called for an end to senseless violence.
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