FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – A South Florida community is on edge after two fatal shootings in very close proximity, one of which claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy.
“Our city is alarmed that a 9-year-old got killed,” said Florida City Commissioner Walter Thompson.
The death of Antavious Scott remains a major concern for Florida City residents as the search continues for his killer.
“A 9-year-old. Most of these young mothers have children that age,” said Thompson.
Antavious, known as Tay Tay, was just playing football when he was hit by a stray bullet Saturday night.
Just two nights later, officers responded to another shooting just feet away from where Antavious was killed.
It’s there, near Lucy Street and Sixth Court, where officers found the body of 23-year-old Brenden Francois.
A 16-year-old girl was also grazed by a bullet in that shooting.
The violence prompted a noticeable response by Miami-Dade police, with officers being observed serving multiple warrants.
Local 10 was there as a man was taken into custody Tuesday, and then on Wednesday morning, another home was raided.
It’s a response Thompson said residents want to see.
“They want a safe environment,” he said. “We’re now having more support down here and you are now seeing more, and we are learning more stuff that is going on.”
Anyone with information about the shootings is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Faith leaders are planning to lead a prayer service for Antavious at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday evening.