PENSACOLA, FL – Authorities are on the hunt for three suspects linked to a deadly shooting at the Marie Young Community Center that left two dead and five others injured, including an 11-year-old child. The incident, which occurred during a men’s basketball game, has shaken the local community and prompted a call for public assistance in identifying the perpetrators.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) reported that the three suspects, who arrived in a stolen white Hyundai Sonata, were captured on surveillance footage near the community center. Despite the clear images, identifying the suspects has proven difficult due to a lack of cooperation from potential witnesses.
The tragic event unfolded as a group gathered under a pavilion outside the community center to play dice. The suspects, armed with an assault rifle and handguns, exited the vehicle and opened fire on the group, resulting in the deaths of two men, aged 21 and 24. Five others were injured in the chaos, including a young child.
Sheriff Chip Simmons expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from witnesses, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “We believe someone out there has information that can help us,” he said, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
In response to the shooting, Escambia County Commissioner Lumen May announced the temporary closure of the community center. The county will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure security protocols were followed and to implement stricter measures for future events. “We need to make sure our community centers are safe havens for our children and residents,” May stated.
Commissioner May also mentioned that his office is collaborating with the Wedgewood Homeowners Association, which typically rents out the facility, to gather more information. He assured the public that when the center reopens, it will have enhanced security measures in place.
Additionally, the county is working with Sheriff Simmons to provide counseling services and other resources to those affected by the shooting. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the ECSO immediately.