On April 13, 2022, Darius Dvon Moore, a 16-year-old African American male, was tragically killed in a shooting at The Overlook at Monroe Apartments in Sanford, Florida. The incident also claimed the life of 21-year-old Willie Keshawn Baker III. Both victims were found in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooting is believed to have been connected to a drug-related robbery attempt.
Investigations revealed that Baker had arranged a meeting with Ernst Baptiste, a 21-year-old male, for a drug transaction. Baptiste, along with Moore and others still under investigation, planned to rob Baker during the meeting. During the attempted robbery, both Moore and Baker discharged firearms, resulting in their deaths. Baptiste then fled the scene with 490 grams of cannabis.
Ernst Baptiste was later indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and resisting an officer without violence. The Sanford Police Department continues to investigate the involvement of other individuals in the case.
The shooting occurred near a playground, raising concerns about the safety of children in the area. The Sanford Police Department has urged anyone with information or surveillance footage of the incident to come forward. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that helps solve the case. The community remains on edge as the investigation continues, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence and its impact on young lives.
