DADE CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — The father of an 11-year-old was killed Wednesday afternoon in a shooting in Pasco County, according to deputies.
Pasco detectives said the deadly shooting took place off River Road in Dade City after two teenage girls began fist fighting.
“This case is very troubling, very disturbing. I want to first put out our prayers and our thoughts to the victims that were involved in this case and their families,” Major Jeffrey Peake with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said.
Authorities said as the girls began throwing punches, family, friends and “anyone in that area” got involved. That’s when the shooting began, striking three people.
Deputies said an 11-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and the father of the 11-year-old boy, were shot.
“The 11-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and the 11-year-old boy’s father were shot, and that 11-year-old boy, his father has since passed away from his injuries,” explained Major Peake.
“This is the worst nightmare for any parent,” the Major told reporters.
At this point, many questions remain.
Who shot the victims? How many guns were used? What direction was the shooting coming from during the melee?
Ultimately, the number one question, detectives say, is who did this and why?
The children injured in the shooting were not involved in the initial fight, deputies added.
An investigation is underway, including numerous interviews with family, friends, numerous bystanders and neighbors. Pasco detectives said this investigation will be lengthy.