On July 12, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Daytona Beach, Florida, resulting in the death of Patrick Lassiter, who was 36 years old at the time of his death. The incident involved a triple shooting near the intersection of MLK and Park Drive around 6:30 a.m. Patrick Lassiter was one of the three victims, along with 43-year-old Antoine Melvin and 65-year-old John Burch.
According to the details provided, Patrick Lassiter was walking near a convenience store when the shooting took place. Video surveillance footage showed him walking backward in the roadway with his hands up. The suspect, identified as Jerome Anderson, was seen running toward Lassiter and shooting him. Anderson continued to fire at Lassiter even after he had fallen to the ground.
Anderson himself called 911 to report that he had shot someone, and other witnesses also reported hearing shots fired. Anderson had an active warrant for aggravated battery and tampering with a witness at the time of the incident. Following the shooting, he was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder and possession of a weapon-ammo by a convicted felon.
Patrick Lassiter's brother, Anthony Lassiter, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the senseless nature of the crime. He described the pain of losing his brother and the impact it had on him, despite being a strong individual. The incident highlighted the devastating consequences of violence and the emotional toll it takes on the families of the victims.
