SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith is urging people with information to come forward as investigators continue searching for whoever opened fire at a family gathering Saturday night, injuring eight people.
“I’m saying to the people here in Sanford, and those who know what’s going on, speak up,” Smith said Monday.
Smith did not take questions from reporters, and investigators have not said how many shooters were involved, whether anyone at the gathering was specifically targeted or what motivated the shooting.
“People know what took place. People know who these shooters are,” Smith said.
Police clarify number of shooting victims
Sanford police clarified Monday that six people were shot and eight people were injured overall.
Three victims remain hospitalized. Two are listed in critical condition and one is in stable condition.
Police said one of the other victims was injured by broken glass, while another suffered a graze wound from a bullet.
A witness previously told Channel 9 that a 26-year-old woman was shot in the face and arm and required surgery.
No arrests have been announced.
Gunfire erupts at family gathering
The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday near Ninth Street and Poplar Avenue.
Family members told Channel 9 they had gathered to remember an 18-year-old who died in a car crash six years ago.
“Everybody just talking and laughing, having a good time. And then all of a sudden we saw what we thought were fireworks,” Shirley Wynn said.
Wynn said the gunfire continued as people realized what was happening.
“It was like ta-da-da, it just kept going,” she said.
Investigators spent hours processing the scene and placing dozens of evidence markers in the area.
Nearby resident Bruce Lewis told Channel 9 the violence was difficult to see unfold in his neighborhood.
“It very much shocked me,” Lewis said.
Rewards offered for information
Two organizations are offering rewards for information in the case.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Another organization is also offering reward money as investigators continue asking witnesses and others with information to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Community prayer service planned
Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Sanford will hold a community prayer service Friday in response to the shooting.
The service is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Police have not announced any arrests and said the investigation remains active.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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