Sunrise (FL) shooting tragedy
Local social reports say a quadriplegic man was shot and killed at a birthday party in Sunrise, Florida, in an incident that left the community reeling. (x.com) Police and witnesses posted that the event devolved into violence and investigators were on scene collecting evidence. (x.com)
A Sunrise security guard has been charged with murder after police say he shot Kendrick English, a 48-year-old man who used an electric wheelchair, outside a birthday party early Sunday. (wsvn.com) Sunrise police said the shooting happened at about 1:31 a.m. on April 12 outside Five Stars Banquet Hall at 6072 West Oakland Park Boulevard, where more than 100 people were attending a birthday celebration. Francisco Navarro Sanchez, 26, was working armed private security at the door, according to the arrest affidavit. (local10.com) Investigators said English was turned away at the entrance, argued with Sanchez, left, then returned and tried again to get inside. During that second confrontation, police said Sanchez pulled a Glock 19 and fired multiple rounds. (wsvn.com) The arrest report says witnesses heard about five shots, and English was hit six times: twice in the abdomen, twice in the left shoulder, once in the neck and once in the forearm. He was taken to a hospital and later died, and Sanchez was later taken into custody without incident. (wsvn.com) English’s family identified him publicly after the shooting and said he had been paralyzed since a high school football injury at Stranahan High School. Friends and relatives told local television stations he was well known in Broward County and had lived for years with significant paralysis. (local10.com) Video reviewed by NBC 6 captured the sound of five gunshots outside the hall, followed by screams and confusion from partygoers. By Monday night, community members had gathered for a second evening of vigils for English in Sunrise. (nbcmiami.com) Local television reports initially described the case as a shooting that left one person injured and one suspect arrested before police identified the victim and filed the homicide charge. By April 13, WSVN reported Sanchez was charged with second-degree murder, and NBC 6 reported he was being held without bond. (local10.com) (wsvn.com) (nbcmiami.com) The case now turns on the police investigation and court process, while English’s family and friends keep gathering around the man they described as “a gentle soul.” (nbcmiami.com)
