Sanford Police Continue Search for Shooting Suspects

Eight people were injured during a memorial gathering in Coastline Park last month.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence

Sanford Police Continue Search for Shooting Suspects

On September 19, 2026, a mass shooting occurred during a memorial gathering for 18-year-old Zi'Erric Wynn at Coastline Park in Sanford. Eight people were injured in the gunfire, with one victim currently remaining in stable condition.

Why it matters

Local investigators believe the violent event was triggered by external individuals bringing personal disagreements to the memorial. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the Goldsboro neighborhood where the gathering took place.

Police have received 12 tips regarding the shooting and have seized two BMWs connected to the case. Despite this progress, no suspects have been taken into custody as of October 20, 2026.

The players

Zi'Erric Wynn

He was the 18-year-old individual whose memorial gathering was the site of the shooting.

The details

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing two individuals opening fire on the crowd gathered for the memorial. Authorities have since recovered vehicles and collected tips as the investigation into the park shooting continues.

Timeline

  1. September 19, 2026: The shooting occurred at Coastline Park.

  2. October 19, 2026: One month of investigation passed since the incident.

  3. October 20, 2026: Police confirmed that no arrests have been made.

Legal Context

The shooting reflects ongoing challenges within local law enforcement efforts to curb violence in public spaces. This incident serves as a significant hurdle for the 2026 Sanford municipal crime reduction initiative.

Residents are encouraged to provide any information regarding the shooting to local authorities as the investigation remains active. The incident underscores the importance of reporting suspicious activity to maintain public safety in local parks.

The takeaway

Public memorials can become targets for conflict if external parties choose to intervene in private gatherings. Community members should remain vigilant in public spaces and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

Further reading

For more information on safety efforts in the area, read our coverage on Violence.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WKMG.