Deadly Lauderhill double shooting caught on camera as city grapples with spate of gun violence
LAUDERHILL, Fla. -- Police were searching for a suspect and a motive following a double shooting at a Lauderhill shopping plaza that left one man dead and one man hurt Monday night, officials said.
The shooting was caught on surveillance video that showed a man opening fire, sending people in the area running for cover.
Selwyn White Jr., 30, was pronounced dead and a second man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after they were both rushed to a local hospital for treatment, according to a written statement by Lauderhill police.
Police were called to 1257 NW 31st Ave., shortly before 9:30 p.m. for a report of gunfire. When they arrived, they found the two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police said they have not identified a suspect and don't yet know what led to the gunfire.
There were several bullet holes in store windows and the building after the incident.
The shooting Monday night followed a triple shooting Sunday night in Lauderhill, just north of Commercial Boulevard at University Drive.
In that incident, Brandon Spells, 20, was killed. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in that fatal shooting.
And on Labor Day weekend, three other victims were shot in Lauderhill during a holiday party and concert. All of the people who were shot survived.
Joanette Brookes-George is with the groups Unmute Yourself and Florida Parents of Murdered Children. She currently works with Lauderhill police and the city with crime research and prevention.
"What we found consistently is that these are not random acts of violence," she said.
Police Chief Constance Stanley issued a written statement that said in part: ".During the month of September, our city has witnessed a concerning increase in gun violence. I feel compelled to address these distressing events and shed light on our response. To date, we've had four separate shooting incidents resulting in nine victims, tragically claiming the lives of three individuals due to these senseless acts of violence."
Brookes-George said Lauderhill appears to be safer now than its been in the last five years.
"It is not something where you're just walking in Lauderhill, walking to Lauderhill Mall or walking down to the store, and you're going to be a victim of gun violence," she said.
Stanley's statement said his department has taken steps to address crime in the city by:
- Increasing uniformed patrols in areas with a history of violence.
- Maintaining the license plate reader and ShotSpotter technology.
- Atively engaging with the public through community information-sharing apps and social media posts.
"I want to assure our community that the Lauderhill Police Department is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors of our city," Stanley said.
Anyone with information about the shootings was asked to call police at 954-497-4700.