JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Homicide investigators believe up to three gunmen opened fire during a block party Saturday night in honor of a slain teen, killing a 21-year-old and injuring eight others.
Investigators identified the man killed as 21-year-old Dominique Waters -- a recent high school graduate with dreams of going to college.
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The eight people wounded when up to 50 shots were fired into the crowd remain in stable condition at area hospitals. All were between 17 and 21.
Police said about 200 people were attending the party in the 200 block of Bronson Street near McDuff Avenue just after 9 p.m. when witnesses said three gunmen approached from two different directions. A witness said one of the gunmen went straight for Waters.
"The next thing we know, we came outside and somebody was dead outside of our house," one resident said on Sunday.
Channel 4 learned that Waters was a graduate of First Coast High School -- where he was a start basketball player -- was working in landscaping at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and making plans to attend college.
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Police said the block party was held to celebrate the life of a 16-year-old Ken "Bo" Townsend, who was killed leaving a teen club on Lem Turner Road in February. That killing is still unsolved.
Police said Townsend was also leaving a party held in celebration of a life lost to violence.
Residents on Bronson Street said they had the necessary city permits, no alcohol was allowed and the part was set to end at 11 p.m.
Witnesses said parents jumped in front of their children to protect them from the gunfire.
Authorities said they had no suspects in the case and did not have a motive for the shooting.
Investigators ask anyone with any information on the case to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Previous Story:
- April 26, 2009: 9 Shot, 1 Fatally, At Block Party
- February 17, 2009: 2 Shot Sunday Night Outside Teen Club