A tragic event unfolded on Christmas night in Palatka, Florida, where gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving another critically injured near the Palatka Daily News offices.
Police reports indicate that the disturbance began with a party in St. Johns County, which subsequently moved to Palatka as an after-party. Officers were called to a parking lot on North 19th Street at approximately 9:40 p.m. to disperse a gathering crowd.
As officers arrived on the scene, gunshots were heard emanating from a location directly opposite the Palatka Daily News on St. Johns Avenue. Upon reaching the site, authorities discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Tragically, one victim succumbed to injuries at the scene, while another died after being transported to a hospital. The third victim was taken to a trauma center in critical condition.
The Palatka Police Department has not yet released the identities of the victims as they are in the process of notifying their families.
In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators uncovered numerous shell casings, suggesting the severity and scale of the incident. A source confirmed that the Palatka Daily News building sustained multiple bullet impacts, though fortunately, no employees were present at the time.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Scene Unit and the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Investigative Unit have been engaged in collaborating with local detectives. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Officials are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to Lt. Colten Lee or Sgt. David Lazo at the Palatka Police Department or contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
This devastating event on Christmas night serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violence on communities. As investigations continue, the Palatka community remains in shock, hoping for justice and resolution in the face of this tragic loss.
Source: News4jax
