Gunman sought in fatal Sanford home invasion

SANFORD, Fla. — A home invasion turned into a double homicide late Monday night, Sanford police said.

Police said a masked person entered the home on Hays Drive at about 8:30 p.m. while two men and a woman were inside.

The culprit opened fire, killing brothers Roland Deloatch, 41, and Joseph Smith, 27, police said.

"Our priority right now is finding out why this happened, and trying to get the information we need to locate the subject that did this," said Bianca Gillett of the Sanford Police Department.

Smith died at the scene and Deloatch was rushed to Central Florida Regional Hospital, where he died.

Authorities said the woman, who was a relative, was not injured.

The shooter remains at large.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information on the case.

Friends of the victim said they are devastated and confused about the shooting.

“I’ve known them since middle school. I just hope they find out who did this to them because Joe, he didn’t deserve this. He was a good guy,” said friend Brandon Kendall through tears.

Residents in the area said they heard the gunfire.

“Firecrackers, that’s what I thought it was. Then I hear somebody banging on the door. I thought it must be kids trick-or-treating,” said resident Beverly Byrd. “It was, it’s so shocking. I was just so upset about it because you see them today and they’re gone now.”

Kendall said his friend was a father and aspiring rapper.

“Joe was a real good guy. He was trying to get out of the streets and do music,” Kendall said. “There (are) multiple shootings around this area and it’s just senseless. We’re all from the same neighborhood. Doesn’t make sense to be shooting like this.”

Sanford police said they need help from the community to make an arrest and hope anyone with information will come forward.

Cox Media Group