Sanford Vigil Held Near Mass Shooting Scene as Police Search

SANFORD, Fla – Nearly one week after a mass shooting in Sanford left eight people injured, police say no arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly identified.

On Friday evening, neighbors, faith leaders and city officials—including the mayor and police chief—gathered in Sanford’s Goldsboro community for a vigil and prayer service near the site of last Saturday’s shooting.

The emotional gathering brought several people to tears. Attendees said events like the vigil should continue beyond a single night because coming together is an important part of the community’s healing.

Speaking at Coastline Park, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith told residents that the violence “didn’t start here,” saying it was brought into the neighborhood.

Smith also said the shooting was not connected to Zy’erric Wynn or his family.

Wynn, 18, died in a crash six years ago. Saturday’s shooting occurred during an annual celebration honoring his life.

Ashley Pick, a Sanford native who performed at the vigil, said fear cannot be allowed to keep people from returning to the community.

“Some people may be afraid to come back here, but we’re here as witnesses and as Christian leaders in that we are not afraid,” Pick said.

Smith said investigators are working to reconstruct the events surrounding the shooting. Earlier Friday, however, a police department spokesperson said investigators had received only eight tips through Crimeline.

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“I know that there is this perception of fear of wanting to work with the police department,” Smith said. “Look, if we want to make this community better, we have to be able to trust one another, we have to be able to talk to one another.”

Smith urged anyone who was in the area that night to review their phones, including Snapchat and other social media accounts, for photos or videos that may show two BMW 530i Series four-door sedans. Police said the vehicles were seen being driven recklessly near the scene.

The chief said police have located the cars and are working to identify the drivers.

“It’s like a thousand-piece puzzle,” Smith said. “Putting all of those pieces of the puzzle together to make a whole takes a little bit of time, it takes a little patience.”

Christopher Crawford, a Sanford resident, said he hopes the vigil helps investigators obtain the information needed to pursue justice for the victims.

“I think there’s a point in time where you have to just overcome your fears and just do what you need to do and say what you need to say,” Crawford said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crimeline. Tips may be submitted anonymously.