Pine Hills community raises concerns after 4-year-old fatally shot

A 4-year-old boy was fatally shot at the Stella West apartment complex on Silver Star Road in Pine Hills on Friday morning, leaving the community concerned and grieving as police continue their investigation. Orlando police said they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound around 11:30 a.m. The boy was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Neighbor, Lorene Price, said those who knew the child are hurting. “I mean he was a genius little boy,” Price said. “He was always helpful. He’s four. He would be five next month.” Anutha Chanz, founder of Protect Thy Head Ministries and a Pine Hills native, urged the community to unite and take action. “My message to the community is to pull together and take responsibility for every youth that you are able to do,” Chanz said. “Let’s turn the train back on the right track, because our youth are not the targets. They are our future, and if they’re not protected, we have nothing.” The Orlando Police Department has not confirmed whether the shooting was accidental or intentional. The department said: “As with many death investigations, this is a complex case that requires investigators to carefully examine all available evidence and follow every lead. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Releasing details at this stage, even information that may seem minor, could jeopardize the investigation, compromise evidence. To protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the facts are thoroughly established, we are unable to provide additional information at this time.” Police also expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and said updates would be shared when appropriate.

PINE HILLS, Fla. —

A 4-year-old boy was fatally shot at the Stella West apartment complex on Silver Star Road in Pine Hills on Friday morning, leaving the community concerned and grieving as police continue their investigation.

Orlando police said they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound around 11:30 a.m. The boy was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Neighbor, Lorene Price, said those who knew the child are hurting.

“I mean he was a genius little boy,” Price said. “He was always helpful. He’s four. He would be five next month.”

Anutha Chanz, founder of Protect Thy Head Ministries and a Pine Hills native, urged the community to unite and take action.

“My message to the community is to pull together and take responsibility for every youth that you are able to do,” Chanz said. “Let’s turn the train back on the right track, because our youth are not the targets. They are our future, and if they’re not protected, we have nothing.”

The Orlando Police Department has not confirmed whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.

The department said: “As with many death investigations, this is a complex case that requires investigators to carefully examine all available evidence and follow every lead. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Releasing details at this stage, even information that may seem minor, could jeopardize the investigation, compromise evidence. To protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the facts are thoroughly established, we are unable to provide additional information at this time.”

Police also expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and said updates would be shared when appropriate.