Fort Pierce police are investigating a homicide Sunday after a father was shot and killed.
The incident happened at 2:35 p.m. in the 100 block of N. 29th St. outside Shorty's Tires. The victim was later identified as 22-year-old Rondravious Gooden.
“My brother was the life of the party,” said the victim’s older brother, Sylvester Davis.
Davis said Gooden was a father and a good person.
“You’re going to have haters, but my brother didn’t deserve this,” said Davis.
Fort Pierce Deputy Chief Kenny Norris said in cases like this, it’s vital for someone who saw something to say something.
“We want them to understand that this is their neighborhood. Understand our challenge of taking back the neighborhood is a partnership, and we have to have their cooperation,” said Norris.
It has been a violent start to 2016 for the city of Fort Pierce. Just 10 days into the year, and the city already has two homicides.
On Jan. 3, a man was fatally shot walking on South 18th Street. No arrests have been made in that case. There have also been a number of shooting incidents since the first of the year.
“If we’re going to be victorious in this fight, the community has to understand that it’s like a cancerous tumor. Without being treated, it continues to grow,” said Norris.
Davis said a big family will help in the wake of this tragedy.
“Everybody comfort each other. We’ll be all right. We’ll get through it. Stay strong. Strength of God will help us get through it,” said Davis. “I love my brother. I know he’s in a better place. He doesn’t have to deal with all this anymore. That’s one thing I do know.”
Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Samuel Cooper (772) 284-9350 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS (8477).
Police have not released any suspect information in connection with the homicide.
Crime scene at Shorty's Tires. Male victim shot once. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/IwQMMq8pAR
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) January 10, 2016
Victim in #FortPierce homicide id'd as 22yo Rondravious Gooden. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/KrnDwiE8fa
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) January 10, 2016