Since November 2015 there have been seven Apopka Shootings reported. For a city that averages less than one shooting per year this is clearly unusual. The increased number of shootings is raising many questions; What is going on? Are these shootings related?
Two of the shootings occurred in Orange County, the other five were in the City of Apopka. Here is a brief description of each event:
Villa Lane
On November 5, 2015, police responded to a 911 call. According to APD, Sean Davis was shot and killed by his roommate Paul Neff, who is now in custody charged with First Degree murder.
East Mason Drive
According to police reports, on December 27, 2015, a dispute over personal property resulted in a shoot out at a house on East Mason Drive. The passenger of a car that left the scene was killed. The driver of the car was charged with Second Degree Felony Murder.
East 15th Street
On December 28, 2015, Orange County Deputies responded to reports of multiple shots being fired at a house on East 15th Street. There were no known injuries and no arrests.
10th and Central
At 1:30 AM on February 2, 2016 APD responded to reports of shots being fired near 1oth and Central. No suspects were found at that location, however 4 people arrived at Florida Hospital Apopka shortly thereafter, all with gunshot wounds.
Sheeler Hills Drive
Police reports indicate that on March 19, 2016, a 15-year old girl was shot and killed by her 16-year-old boyfriend. The 16-year-old told police the shooting was unintentional and that he was playing with a handgun. The 16-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder.
Old Apopka Road
At 2:37 PM on March 21, 2016, Orange County Deputies responded a report of shots fired. Contondre Bryant was shot and killed in a grassy field between the Taylor Apartments and the St. Elizabeth Church of God by Faith. According to The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, there were up to 40 witnesses, but none are cooperating with the authorities.
Blackbird Drive
According to police a shooting took place in the 1900 block of Blackbird Drive around 6:00 AM on March 26, 2016. The details and cause of the shooting are still under investigation. Several people fled the scene of the shooting in a vehicle. A vehicle linked to the shooting was later encountered disabled on SR 429 near SR 50. Two of the three 3 subjects inside the vehicle had sustained gunshot wounds. One of the subjects succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased while at the hospital. The second wounded subject from the vehicle has been treated and released. Jasmine McAfee, 24, was shot and killed. Maurice Hunter, 23 sustained a gunshot wound, but was treated and released.
The map below shows the location of each incident:
