Woman killed, teen hospitalized after shooting during drug deal, Polk sheriff says

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Two people were hit when gunfire erupted in Lake Blue Park, just outside Winter Haven on Thursday.

A 20-year-old woman was killed and a 16-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd pointed out the tragedy of the events.

"The victims are just kids. The suspects are just kids," commented Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Detectives said the two people who were shot came to the park with two other people, another young woman, and an unidentified fifth person, to buy marijuana from what the sheriff called a "well-known Haines City drug dealer."

Investigators said the woman who was shot was in the driver’s seat of the car they came in.

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The other woman, an 18-year-old passenger, got out and walked over to the alleged dealer’s car. A few minutes later, the teen boy followed her, apparently to try and rob the man, and yelled, "Give it up, gimme all you have," Judd explained.

When that happened, the man pulled out a gun, according to investigators, and shot the 16-year-old.

The 20-year-old woman was still sitting in the driver’s seat of her car when a hail of bullets rained down on her. The car lunged forward and hit a fence. She later died of her injuries.

"This girl, at 20 years old, was just beginning the best years of her life, and she is dead. And we have a 16-year-old who has four or five bullet holes in him," Sheriff Judd said.

No one has been charged. Detectives are still trying to sort out the details. Sheriff Judd said those involved were being uncooperative. 

"No one is telling the complete truth, and some are outright lying," Judd said. 

"It is a sad, sad testimony that we have a 20-year-old girl that is dead. Did you hear me? She is dead forever. Over a little bit of marijuana."