SANFORD, Fla. — An 8-year-old boy who was injured in a mass shooting Monday died early Tuesday, the Sanford Police Department said.
Branden Christian Jr. died from his injuries in the shooting, which also claimed the life of his mother, LaTina Herring, 35, and critically wounded his grandfather, Bertis Herring Jr., and his brother, Brendon Christian, 7, Sanford police spokeswoman Bianca Gillett said.
Branden’s brother and his grandfather remain in critical condition, Gillett said.
Investigators said Cashe also randomly shot two bystanders -- Lazaro Paredesquelite, who was walking, and Rakeya Jackson, 18, who was waiting at a bus stop. Both are in stable condition.
Police said the boy was shot by LaTina Herring's ex-boyfriend, Allen Cashe, 31.
Branden Christian Sr., the boys' father, tried to fight off tears as he spoke to Channel 9's Deneige Broom outside of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Tuesday.
He said his son would've told him to not cry.
"Branden I love you," he said. "God knows I do. (You) got the same name as me."
Christian stared straight into the camera as he delivered a stern message for the man accused of fatally shooting one son and critically wounding the other.
"My boy didn't have to go through this," Christian said. "You took a piece of me. You did that. But God got you, though."
Police said Cashe admitted to kicking in the door and shooting an AK-47 into LaTina Herring's bedroom, wounding her seven times while she lay in bed.
Cashe confessed to shooting Bertis Herring Jr. five times because he thought the man was coming after him, according to an arrest affidavit.
Branden and Brendon were sleeping on a couch when Cashe stood directly over them and shot them a combined three times, investigators said.
"I want the world to know my boy didn't have to go through this," Christian said. “I wanted my son to walk out of that hospital with me, and he can’t.”
Christian's relatives said they're deeply hurt by LaTina Herring's death because she has been considered a part of their family for almost 10 years.
Sanford police Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement Tuesday that his agency is focused on seeking justice for the alleged victims and their relatives.
“It is heartbreaking to know that this young child lost his life needlessly and in such a violent manner,” Smith said. “Our hearts and prayers are with his family during this tragedy."
Cox Media Group
