FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are investigating after, they said, a man shot a retired U.S. Marine who was a longtime friend in Pompano Beach before he was involved in a crash that shut down Interstate 95 for several hours, Thursday.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the victim was shot dead at a park near Northwest 15th Place and Third Avenue, at around 7:30 p.m.
“The victim was shot multiple times,” said BSO Spokesperson Joy Oglesby. “When he was found, he was pronounced dead on scene by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue.”
Neighbors said the victim, 46-year-old Trevor Mitchell, was shot while barbecuing for a family in mourning.
Mitchell was a retired Marine and was remembered by loved ones as someone who put friends and family first. “Hardworking person, would do anything for anyone, lost his life while doing something for someone else’s family,” said one woman.
“He was just a heart that anyone could love,” said a woman who knew the victim. “What happened to him is very tragic.”
According to reports, an argument between Mitchell and the shooter became heated. Detectives said the gunman, identified as Donel Bostick, then opened fire and Mitchell was killed at the scene.
Police said Bostick fled the scene, heading south on I-95. Shortly after, officials said, Bostick was involved in a crash with another vehicle near Davie Boulevard.
Police flooded the area, resulting in I-95 being shut down for several hours.
“The suspect initially relented and did not want to get out of his vehicle,” said Oglesby. “There was a shot fired. However, he was not shooting at law enforcement officers. He was finally coaxed out of his vehicle and taken into custody.”
The shooter’s truck was eventually towed away and the roads reopened by 11 p.m. Thursday.
No one was injured in the crash or when the weapon was fired.
Deputies said Bostick and Mitchell grew up together, but the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
“There’s no meaning in it to me,” said the woman who knew Bostick. “It just didn’t make any sense.”
Bostick is facing murder charges.
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