A 3-year-old tot and two adults were shot dead when gunfire erupted over an argument during a dog sale at a Florida apartment complex Saturday night, according to authorities.
The three victims were among five people to travel to the luxury apartment complex around 10 p.m. to meet with other people about the canine sale, according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief JD Stronko.
An argument ensued in the breezeway between two buildings that led to gunshots, Stronko said.
A fourth victim was wounded in the shooting, Stronko said during an early morning press conference Sunday.
Two men hightailed it from the scene in a car following the shooting, he said. None of the victims have been identified.
It’s unclear if the group went to the apartment to buy or sell the dog. The shooting might have involved more than one apartment, he said.
“We have just as many questions regarding this incident as you do right now,” Stronko told reporters.
Witnesses and surviving victims were being interviewed, he said.
An apartment resident recalled the moment she heard the shooting for WJXT.
“I was laying in bed and heard the pop, pop, pop. It was five or six gunshots, and I heard screaming,” Rachel told the station.
“I was petrified for them. I really don’t expect this to happen. You hear about gunshots, especially around Jacksonville but you don’t assume it’s going to happen in your backyard, especially in a safe neighborhood.”
The relationship between the victims was not disclosed because of a state law that gives certain rights to victims.
It’s also unclear so far where the victims lived.
The deadly scene played out at the JTB Apartment Complex, WXJT reported, which is described as “the newest luxury apartments in Jacksonville,” according to the complex’s website.