Phillip Devon Monte Sheppard Jr. died after officers responded to reports of a shooting around 1:20 a.m. in the 200 block of South Palafox Street, according to the Pensacola Police Department. Six other victims, ranging in age from 16 to 26, were wounded.
The shooting happened during a large gathering that Pensacola officials described as a “teen takeover,” involving hundreds of teenagers and young adults who gathered downtown during the holiday weekend.
During a July 6 news conference, Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said officers arrested nine people between the ages of 14 and 22 before the shooting occurred and documented over 20 fights during the overnight gathering.
Winstrom said the crowd began gathering downtown around 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and grew to about 500 people.
Following the violence, police said officers responding to the scene provided medical aid to the victims. Sheppard was pronounced dead at the scene.
By Monday, all but one of the six injured victims had been released from the hospital, according to police. The remaining victim was expected to recover.
Authorities said the shooting followed hours of disorderly behavior in the downtown area, including fights, fireworks being directed at people, and reports of individuals carrying firearms.
The Pensacola Police Department increased staffing ahead of the holiday weekend, assigning about 50 additional officers to the downtown area, Winstrom said.
Police said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence as they work to identify those responsible.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the police said, adding: “We would also like to thank the businesses and community members who have already provided surveillance footage to assist investigators.”
Authorities asked anyone who was downtown between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. July 5 with photos, videos, or information related to the shooting to contact investigators.
The shooting comes as Florida officials have raised concerns about large gatherings known as “teen takeovers.” The term is being used to describe recent events involving large groups of young people that have escalated into fights, property damage, or violence. “Teen takeovers” have occurred in other cities across the nation as well.
“If you organize these destructive takeovers, we will find you, we will dismantle your network, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Uthmeier said.
The state said in June that prosecutors could pursue conspiracy or racketeering charges if evidence links the “teen takeover” events to advance planning or organized crime.
“Utilizing these anti-gang and organized crime laws allows the state to bring sweeping charges against entire operations, covering offenses from murder and criminal mischief to trespassing and fleeing from law enforcement,” stated the attorney general's office.