Police: 17-year-old abandoned by friends after shooting dies at Sanford hospital
Sanford police say a 17-year-old was dropped off at a local hospital on Tuesday with a fatal gunshot wound.
According to the Sanford Police Department, Sadarion Cosby was brought to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital just after 8 p.m., suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Cosby later died as a result of his injuries.
"We're sitting here talking about a 17-year-old who lost his life last night, and that's a tragedy in itself," Bianca Gillett with the Sanford Police Department said.
Police launched an investigation to gather more details about what led to Cosby's death.
On Wednesday, officials revealed the boy and three unidentified individuals approached a parked car, described as a dark Kia sedan, near the intersection of Ellen Place and Scott Drive. That's when Sanford police say shots were fired.
Following the shooting, the vehicle and the individuals fled the area. One assisted Cosby to a nearby house but then fled as well. Police say the occupants of that home then drove Cosby to the hospital.
"These three individuals were with Mr. Cosby when he received a gunshot wound to his abdomen and was absolutely fighting for his life. They chose to run and worry about themselves," Gillett said.
Sanford police say in all, six shots were fired — one hitting an unidentified home and the homeowner's television. Nobody inside that home was injured.
Chief Cecil Smith referred to the unidentified individuals who left Cosby as his "friends."
"A 17-year-old lost his life. His 'friends,' and I use that term loosely, ran rather than staying and helping him. They didn’t help him get the emergency medical attention he needed, nor stayed to assist law enforcement identify and locate the person(s) who took his life. Unacceptable," Smith said.
There's so much police still don't know about this case.
"Right now, it looks like we have two different caliber casings on the scene, so that's what we're trying to determine, who actually shot or fired those firearms," Gillett said.
According to Sanford police, they are still looking for the three people that were with Cosby, as well as the occupants inside the car. Officials say they do not know how many people were inside the vehicle.
On Wednesday, Sanford police released an image of the vehicle of interest.
But the car isn't the only information police are relying on.
"We have been out speaking with neighbors just what they've heard," Gillett said. "Again, we've had some that have assisted us with surveillance we did have the individuals again that brought Sadarion to the hospital so we have been able to speak with them. All of that comes together to create a picture."
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or www.crimeline.org.
Police say tips to Crimeline are anonymous, and tips that lead to solving homicide cases are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
"Anyone in that neighborhood who has information on these individuals, that's what we need right now is for them to come forward and help us work for justice," Gillett said.
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from homes in the area.
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