ORLANDO, Fla. – A 15-year-old was shot to death Tuesday afternoon in Orlando, and investigators are seeking information to track down the killer, police said.
The fatal shooting of Antwan Roberts Jr. was reported around 2 p.m. in the 700 block of Columbia Street near West Gore Street and Parramore Avenue.
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Rolon said his agency received a 911 call and an OPD sergeant happened to be nearby and found the victim on the sidewalk at Columbia and Parramore.
“He showed up and tried to render aid, but it was too late,” Rolon said. “That’s why it’s critical, very important that it’s critical that our community and us act quickly to find the people responsible for this crime.”
Rolon said there was some type of encounter nearby, but he didn’t provide any other details, including a description of the assailant.
RIGHT NOW: @OrlandoPolice are working a fatal shooting on Columbia Street. I just got to the scene. Live updates at @news6wkmg at 4. pic.twitter.com/DIB7HJEOAn
— Jerry Askin (@JerryAskinNews6) December 8, 2020
Rolon said detectives are canvassing the area looking for clues.
“Right now, we have more questions than answers,” Rolon said.
When asked about a boy being slain in broad daylight, Rolon said, “It’s disturbing. It should be disturbing to anyone, especially when it’s a young life.”
Rolon said an hour prior to the fatal shooting he was provided crime statistics about the Parramore area, adding that the neighborhood had seen a 60% reduction in homicides over the last two years.
One neighbor told News 6 he heard at least four gunshots, and it’s sad to know the boy who he has seen before in the neighborhood was killed.
“Good kid, it’s sad man and it’s going to hurt a lot of people,” the neighbor said.
Orange County Public Schools confirmed Roberts was enrolled at Wekiva High School. School leaders released a message to families to notify them of Roberts’ passing. On Wednesday, grief counselors were at the high school in the wake of the teen’s death.
Anyone with information about the crime or the suspect is urged to call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423 TIPS.