Fort Lauderdale shooting victim was 'trying to become someone,' friend says

1 dead, 4 hurt at block party shooting

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ A neighborhood block party in Fort Lauderdale was interrupted by gunfire Saturday morning.

At least one person started shooting into a large group of people who were gathered near the 2300 block of Northwest 16thĀ Court about 1 a.m., police said.Ā 

Jerrod Bel Air, 22, was killed and four others were injured.

"Right now, we're just trying to accept it," his stepmother told Local 10 News.

Herod Bel Air said he believes his son was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"He was real, man, real one-of-a-kind, man. Best friend you could ever have," Tony Harden, one of the victims, said about Bel Air.

Harden, 27, was struck in the side and the shoulder. He is expected to recover from his injuries, as are the others who were wounded.

However, he is now struggling with the loss of Bel Air.

"My dog was trying to become someone. He was trying to become the best he can be," Harden said. "They took a good man. That's all I can say."

No arrests have been made.

Herod Bel Air has a message for his son's killer.

"Come forward, turn yourself in," he said. "You know, you killed my son, who was real respectful and wanted something for his life."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.