DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A teenager has been arrested in the shooting of a teen at a Deerfield Beach park, and the victim’s family has said their loved one has died after days in the hospital.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they arrested 14-year-old Keantae Vaughn two days after the Dec. 28 shooting at Westside Park, located along the 400 block of Southwest Second Street.
The mother of the victim, identified as Rickey Ferguson Jr., posted on Facebook that her son had died, saying he “passed on and gained his wings.”
“The community is really hurting about this. This is tearing at the very fabric of this community,” said Deerfield Beach City Commissioner Ben Preston. “When I heard about it, my heart just went out to the families. Coming out the holidays, a kid that had a bright future, dreams, goals, have all been ceased.”
Preston said the city has already had several meetings with BSO and local organizations in the wake of the shooting to provide grief counseling.
“There are different organizations that are in place to help not only the kids, but the community to get through this,” said Preston.
Tramain Hall, head football coach for the Deerfield Beach High Bucks, said Ferguson was a sophomore and a standout football player with a big future.
“He said, ‘Coach, I’m ready to go to college,’” said Hall.
“He didn’t do nothing wrong,” said Nick Williams, a friend of the teen. “He just played football, go home. The man don’t do nothing wrong.”
Detectives said the shooting remains under investigation and have yet to confirm his passing, as they continue to investigate.
According to BSO, Vaughn was charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder, but the Broward State Attorney’s Office is expected to upgrade that charge to murder.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Grief Counseling
Deerfield Beach High School
January 5th – 10:30am-12:00 pm
January 9th-11th – 10:30am-12:00 pm
Ferguson Funeral support
Overseen by Football Booster Club
Checks payable to DBHS Football Booster Club
To Zelle cash: 954-547-6723
Please include Rickey Ferguson Jr. on the memo line. DBHS Booster Club will provide confirmation receipt for donations received. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact them at DBHSFBbooster@gmail.com.
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