SANFORD, Fla. – Three days after a mass shooting at a memorial gathering in Sanford left eight people hurt, police have not announced any arrests or named any suspects.
Sanford Police say they are still working to identify who opened fire, but investigators are facing a familiar challenge: witnesses who will not talk.
News 6 spoke with residents near the scene who said distrust of law enforcement and fear of retaliation may be keeping people from coming forward.
“I’m saying to the people here in Sanford, and those who know what’s going on, speak up,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said on Monday.
[WATCH: Neighbors, family shocked, scared after shooting in Sanford leads to 8 people hurt]
A police spokesperson said only tips to Crimeline have been received in the 24 hours since that plea from the chief.
One lifelong resident, Carlecia Keitt, said the lack of answers in past cases contributes to a feeling that speaking up will not lead anywhere.
“A lot of crimes go unsolved,” Keitt said. “And I think that people feel like they don’t care. And so like, why talk if nothing’s going to happen?”
Keitt said distrust in Sanford and surrounding communities has lingered for years, pointing to the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012, just miles away.
“That did bring a lot of distrust with the police and how it was handled,” she said.
Sanford Police incident reports related to the shooting contain heavy redactions, but one repeated note appears throughout: witnesses at the scene declined to provide information to officers, according to the documents.
Still, Keitt urged people to cooperate with investigators.
“I think it’s unfortunate that people won’t speak up because I mean on one hand you feel like the police aren’t helping, but if you’re not talking, then they can’t really help,” she said.
[WATCH: Grandmother asks ‘why’ after shooting at Sanford memorial]
Meanwhile, community groups say they are stepping in.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, a national nonprofit, is planning community patrols in the area.
Pastor Irma Taylor of Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church said at least a dozen churches plan to gather Friday evening at the same park near where the shooting occurred.
“I believe that faith is really what’s going to make the difference,” she said.
She added that even if locals do not feel comfortable speaking to law enforcement, the faith community has a responsibility to step forward.
“Unfortunately, it takes things like this for us to really like kind of open our eyes and say ‘You know what, we probably need to be out there.’”
News 6 requested an interview with Smith on Tuesday, but was told he was unavailable.
Sanford Police is asking anyone with information to call the department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Crimeline tips can be made anonymously.
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