Cedarien Camper, a 23-year-old from the Fort Lauderdale area, was tragically shot and killed on the night of October 23, 2023. The incident occurred at a strip mall located along the 4300 block of North State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.
Camper was seen running before he collapsed in front of a cell phone repair shop, where he ultimately took his final breath.
Surveillance video captured the frantic moments following the shooting, including paramedics arriving on the scene in an attempt to provide aid, but unfortunately, it was too late to save him.
Cedarien had a very close relationship with his mother, Patrice Thomas. According to Thomas, her son would call her every 30 minutes, and she is now struggling to cope with the loss of her child. Thomas expressed her deep grief and her desire for justice, stating that she is barely holding on and that "closure is all I’m asking for."
Gloria Lewis, who taught Camper in elementary school and had a close bond with him, described him as a child who was not involved in any criminal activities. She emphasized that Camper was not the type of person to be out stealing or robbing anyone, highlighting the positive values that were instilled in him.
The community is mourning the loss of Cedarien Camper, and his mother is urging the public for help in seeking justice. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. As of the current date, there is no reported information on any suspects or arrests related to this case.
