Boynton saw three shootings in less than a week. Police are asking for the public's help.
Boynton Beach's mayor and police leadership asked the public for help Thursday after three shootings unfolded during the past several days, including one that claimed a teenager's life.
Police are still searching for suspects in two of the incidents, including the homicide, while a third shooting investigation has been closed at the request of a victim. Speaking during a news conference at the Boynton Beach Police Department, Mayor Ty Penserga said the three shootings were unrelated.
"Nonetheless, gun violence has no place in our city," the mayor said. "To the victims and families: We are united. We stand behind you. We will bring justice."
First shooting: A Sweet 16 party turns violent
Police said the first shooting took place during a Sweet 16 birthday party on Sunday night. At about 11:30 p.m., two groups of juveniles started fighting in the Fraternal Order of Police parking lot at 1200 Miner Road, a location that's sometimes rented out for events.
First responders took a 17-year-old boy to Bethesda Hospital East on Seacrest Boulevard, where he died.
"We have interviewed dozens of witnesses, developed persons of interest and are continuing our efforts to bring closure to the family," Maj. Michael Kelley said on Thursday.
Second shooting: Three people sent to the hospital
Another shooting sent three people to the hospital on Wednesday morning but no charges are expected. The shooting unfolded at 11:30 a.m. on the 100 block of Northeast 11th Avenue, along Seacrest Boulevard and about three-quarters of a mile north of Boynton Beach Boulevard.
"Although we developed probable cause for arrests, the victim declined to pursue charges," Kelley said. "All of the involved parties are adults, and there are no life-threatening injuries in this case."
Third shooting: One victim in critical, but stable condition
The third shooting, which took place on Wednesday evening on the 3000 block of East Palm Drive, near Alto Road, is still under investigation.
"All of the individuals in this incident are also adults," Kelley said. "There is one victim, who is in critical but stable condition. This is an open investigation, and we are developing suspect information."
In all three cases, people involved in the shootings have invoked their right to privacy granted by a 2018 state constitutional amendment. Modeled on California's Marsy’s Law, it allows either crime victims or their families to withhold their names from public reports.
City police Chief Joe DeGiulio said he hoped to prevent gun violence by thoroughly investigating the recent incidents, identifying those responsible and holding them accountable — sending a message to any would-be shooters.
Police are asking anyone with information about the two open cases to call Det. Marco Villari 561-742-6127, or to contact Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
"We are committed to solving these crimes and these incidents, and have dedicated our full resources to it," the police chief said.
Giuseppe Sabella is a reporter covering Boynton Beach and Lake Worth Beach at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at gsabella@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mayor, police chief address three recent shootings in Boynton Beach
