SANFORD, Fla. – A drug deal that turned into a robbery led to the shooting death of 17-year-old Sadarion Cosby in Sanford, police said on Tuesday.
The fatal shooting happened around 8 p.m. on April 9 near the intersection of Ellen Place and Scott Drive in the Washington Oaks neighborhood.
According to police, Cosby and three unidentified individuals approached a parked KIA K5 sedan with unknown occupants inside, and shots were fired.
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Deputy Chief Trekelle Perkins said during their investigation they learned that a confrontation occurred at the vehicle, and the driver of the Kia fired one shot.
An individual at the scene with a multi-colored hoodie returned fire, and the driver of the Kia sped away, according to Perkins.
The unidentified man in the hoodie and another person assisted Cosby to a nearby house, police said.
“Cosby’s associates lingered near the incident location attempting to hide evidence,” Perkins said. “Cosby’s associates flee after a few minutes.”
The occupants of the home drove Cosby to the hospital where he died a short time later, police said.
Perkins said a license plate reader was able to identify the “potential vehicle” in reference to the Kia. In addition, a social media tip helped officers locate the driver, whom they declined to identify.
According to police, they were able to question the driver of the Kia and another unidentified person who told them that the purpose of the meeting was a drug deal.
Perkins said that Cosby and the three individuals approached the Kia, and after about 15 seconds, someone in the group pulled out a gun and attempted to reach into the vehicle to try to rob the driver.
According to Perkins, the driver pulled out a gun and fired one round that hit Cosby in the abdomen. The person in the multicolored hoodie shot back at the Kia as he ran away from the vehicle.
“The driver shot in fear as he was being robbed. Cosby and the associates planned to rob the driver. A homicide occurred during the commission of a felony and the individuals responsible will be charged,” Perkins said.
Police said they arrested 15-year-old Zion Carter who faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm.
Officers believe 21-year-old Terrell Walker is the individual wearing the multi-colored hoodie and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. He also faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm.
Perkins said they are also seeking a third person, who has not been identified yet.
Sanford police ask that if you have information about the unidentified person to call them at 407-688-5070 or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
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