LAKE CITY, Fla — A 12-year-old girl from Lake City has tragically lost her life due to gunshots fired into a residence. The incident occurred while she was sitting on a couch inside her home.
Despite more than 12 hours passing since the shooting, close to 24 evidence markers indicating bullet holes remain visible on the house located on NW Long Street, where the young girl was fatally struck.
The Lake City Police Department reported that the shooting transpired at 9:06 p.m. on Thursday. Immediate aid was provided to the girl by officers on the scene, with further assistance from first responders, as stated in an official press release.
As of Friday morning, the police were still actively investigating the area. Regrettably, they have no leads on a suspect at this point, as shared with First Coast News.
The family of the young victim is requesting privacy during this difficult time and has declined interviews on camera. Nonetheless, the girl’s uncle conveyed that although gun violence is sadly common in this area of Lake City, incidents involving shots being fired into homes are rare.
Remarkably close to the site of the incident stands the House of Miracles Ministries, a church overseen by Pastor Benjamin Perry. He was working on renovating the church on Friday and expressed his concern about the pervasive violence in this part of Lake City.
Pastor Perry called for unity among neighbors to put an end to this cycle of violence, describing the area as having a troublesome atmosphere and a prevalence of firearms, with some individuals who are young in age but carry dangerous weaponry.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information about the shooting to promptly contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343.
