Police search for more suspects involved in 16-year-old’s shooting death

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police said more suspects could be arrested in the death of a city commissioners’ niece.

Investigators announced Monday that Jacarious Simpson was arrested in connection to 16-year-old Tavyiah King’s death earlier this month.

They believe the shooting was the result of gang violence.

READ: ‘It’s really just senselessness’: Gang violence to blame in shooting death of girl, 16, police say; man arrested

Officers said they’re dealing with a spike in violent crime.

According to the Orlando Police Department, the latest statistics show a 20% hike in gun violence.

Simpson is one of the latest arrests. He’s in jail with no bail.

Police said he played a role in killing King.

READ: ‘She wanted to make the world a better place’: Police continue to search for suspect who fatally shot girl, 16, at Orlando gas station

Investigators said King was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she was gunned down in her friend’s car at a Wawa on John Young Parkway.

Police said they are still looking for suspects in King’s case and others from this year.

“The variety of age groups that we deal with many times, or, you know, 14 and up,” said Detective Annemarie Esan. “It’s just a cycle that we’re in the process of trying to break.”

READ: ‘She will never be forgotten’: Dozens gather for vigil honoring 16-year-old shot and killed in Orlando

Investigators said King was the victim of gang violence, but she wasn’t a gang member.

There is reward money available for any information leading to the arrest of the other suspects in King’s case.

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