PINE HILLS, Fla. — A community in Orange County is on edge after a 3-year-old and a 14-year-old were shot and killed this week in gang-related shootings, according to Orange County deputies.
On Monday, 14-year-old Joshua Atkinson was shot and killed. And Tuesday, 3-year-old Daquane Felix Jr. was shot and killed while he was playing at his home in Pine Hills just a few miles away from where Atkinson was shot.
Both were innocent victims of drive-by shootings and gang violence, according to investigators.
“Kids got guns. It’s kids killing kids. They’re not knowing what they’re doing. By the time they realize what they did, it’s too late,” one neighbor said.
Please help us find the killer or killers of 3-year-old Daquane Felix Jr., tragically struck by gunfire from a drive-by shooting on 9/22. Someone knows who is responsible for little Daquane’s death. Help us take them off the streets. Call @CrimelineFL. You can remain anonymous. pic.twitter.com/hM5vXxAvUY
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) September 24, 2020
People in the community are understandably on edge.
Friends and families hope detective work and constant patrols in the area of the shootings help push those responsible to turn themselves in.
On Thursday night, a group of people gathered to honor Felix, but they decided to cancel the vigil when they heard of reports of another shooting on White Heron Drive. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported it wasn’t a shooting, but a car crash that led to a dispute.
Orange County deputies said they believe they know which gangs are involved in the shootings and are offering a $5,000 reward for tips in the case.
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