FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - City officials in Fort Lauderdale urged the public to come forward with information in two drive-by shootings that claimed the life of a toddler and two adults earlier this summer.
The conference was held at Lincoln Park, located at 600 NW 19th Avenue, Wednesday morning.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis took the time to reassure the victim’s families that they have not given up hope.
“We are continuing to ensure the families that we are not going to let this situation be shoved under the rug,” said Mayor Trantalis. “We are focused on it, and we are serious about it.”
The police department recently launched a new program called the Gun Intelligence Unit to help combat gun violence. Trantalis said he hopes it will help solve future gun violent crimes.
“We need your help to solve these crimes and bring peace to our streets, and we know there’s information out there,” said Trantalis.
The first incident occurred on July 8 in front of a convenience store near the 700 block of Northwest 10th Terrace. The shooting left two people dead and seriously injured a 2-year-old toddler. Tiarra Holiday, the child’s mother, was one of the two victims who died in the shooting, alongside 45-year-old Sheldon Lawrence.
The second shooting took place on July 21 at Riverdale Park, near the 900 block of Southwest 27th Avenue. Three-year-old Rylo Yancy was fatally shot while attending a birthday party.
“I could wake up sometimes and hear my baby say, ‘Grandaddy, grandaddy,’ just out of a spare moment, and it bothers me,” said Gerrold Pough, Yancy’s grandfather.
Pough told 7News they are still desperate for answers as to who killed the 3-year-old.
“We holding up, but it’s still a hard hit,” he said. “We can get impatient sometimes when things like this happen, especially with a 3-year-old; you want more than just an investigation, you want answers.”
Pough agrees with city officials that someone has information but are too afraid to come forward.
“I’m not scared of them that’s why I’m showing my face. I’m not scared to get on the news. That’s my grandbaby, y’all took my heart, y’all took my soul, y’all took everything from me,” said Paugh.
No arrests have been made in the two drive-by shootings, but police are still investigating.
Trantalis said the presence of law enforcement in the city has increased but urges those with answers to please come forward.
If you have any information on these shootings or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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