FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating an overnight shooting that occurred on Interstate 95 in Fort Lauderdale, Tuesday. According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD), officers responded to a shooting at around 2:30 a.m. on West Sunrise Boulevard and the I-95 northbound entry ramp.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult victims, a male and a female, inside a white Mercedez SUV.
Tactical medical care was provided on the scene by the officers until the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) arrived. The victims were then transported to Broward Health Medical Center by FLFR.
The victims, who died from their injuries have been identified as 23-year-old Vernaldo Donner and Terri McKenzie, 21, who according to family members were friends.
Terri McKenzie’s cousin, who does not want to be identified, told 7News she spoke with Mckenzie just minutes before bullets flew into the car.
“She loved me. I just told her to be safe, you know, that was the last words,” said McKenzie’s cousin.
McKenzie was described by her cousin as an outgoing, happy person who always made sure everyone was OK.
Video footage from the scene showed investigators combing the area as they searched for evidence. A total of 18 bullet casings were found, suggesting that shots had been fired.
McKenzie’s cousin said she was the baby of the family and was working as a certified nursing assistant.
Sunrise Boulevard westbound was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
“Whoever did this, you broke our family. You broke everybody. Just turn yourself in,” said McKenzie’s cousin. “We’ve been through a lot, we’ve been through too much losses, so if you know that you did this and you know that, you willing to step forward, just turn yourself in, that’s all we ask.
Police continue to search for the shooter.
If you have any information on this crime, 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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