Mikel Gilchrist, an 18-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on December 19, 2018, in Sanford, Florida. The incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. in the 800 block of East 10th Street. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, and when officers arrived, they found Mikel Gilchrist with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Alashawndray Juwan Brown, who was also found with gunshot wounds a few blocks away on Willow Avenue. Brown, who was critically injured, was taken to the hospital and later charged with second-degree homicide in connection with Mikel Gilchrist's death. Detectives determined that Brown was the individual who shot and killed Gilchrist. As Brown recovered from his injuries, he remained under police custody.
Additionally, the Sanford police identified a third person, Justin Jerrod Kilgore, as a person of interest in the case. Kilgore had an active warrant for charges unrelated to the shooting, and authorities sought him for questioning regarding the incident. The police urged anyone with information about the shooting or Kilgore's whereabouts to come forward.
Mikel Gilchrist's death was a significant loss to his family and community. His mother publicly appealed for financial assistance to cover funeral expenses, highlighting the family's lack of life insurance. The case drew attention to the broader issues of gun violence and the impact it has on young lives in communities like Sanford. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continued as authorities worked to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of Mikel Gilchrist.
