MIAMI (AP) — A 30-year-old lady has died following a shooting that broke out between rival gang members throughout a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in Florida, sheriff’s officers mentioned Tuesday.
The lady, whose identify has not been launched, was attending a party along with her 6-year-old daughter Monday night following the MLK Day parade in Fort Pierce, Florida, St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara said during a news conference.
“Within that park, at the conclusion of the party, shots were fired and eight people were shot, and four others were injured as they attempted to flee that chaotic scene,” the sheriff mentioned.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning, however Chief Deputy Brian Hester mentioned detectives are working across the clock.
“Evidence supports this shooting was a dispute between two rival Fort Pierce gangs,” Hester mentioned.
He added that investigators discovered over 50 shell casings from three calibers of weapons at the scene.
“Let me be very clear. If you are thinking of, or hiding, supporting, protecting or aiding any suspect, anyone involved in the heinous incident, then I can assure you you we will arrest you, and we will charge you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Hester mentioned the company is working with native, state and federal businesses. They’ve arrange a hotline for any ideas from witnesses.
“Yesterday was MLK Day, a legacy built on nonviolence, and sadly we experienced violence in our community,” the sheriff mentioned, including that the company sends its “heartfelt” condolences to the girl’s household and the neighborhood.
Fort Pierce is 68 miles (109 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.