A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a teenager during an alleged drug deal last month, and a second suspect is at large.
On Tuesday, April 30, the Sanford Police Department arrested Zion Carter, 15, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 17-year-old Sadarion Cosby.
The fatal shooting occurred on Tuesday, April 9. That evening, at around 8 p.m., Cosby arrived at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital after sustaining an apparent gunshot wound to his abdomen, according to Sanford police.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Cosby died from his injuries.
During an ensuing investigation, SPD learned that the shooting took place near the intersection of Ellen Place and Scott Drive. According to the police department, the driver of a Kia K-5 sedan went to this location to meet an unidentified individual for the purpose of a drug transaction.
Sanford police stated that four individuals – Sadarion Cosby, Zion Carter, a 21-year-old man identified as Terrell Walker, and a fourth unidentified male approached the driver of the parked Kia with the intention of robbing the driver with a firearm.
During the alleged armed robbery, the Kia’s driver driver retrieved a firearm and fired a single shot, which fatally struck Cosby.
Moments later, the vehicle fled from the scene. SPD stated that one of the individuals who was with Cosby briefly helped bring him to a nearby home before fleeing from the scene.
According to Sanford police, the driver of the Kia has been identified, but their name has not been released.
The day after the fatal shooting, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith released the following statement:
“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 stay to assist law enforcement identify and locate the person(s) who took his life. Unacceptable.”
Since Cosby’s death occurred during the alleged commission of a felony, SPD stated that probable cause developed for the arrest of both Carter and Walker.
Carter was located on Tuesday and taken into custody without incident. He is being charged with second-degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Walker for second-degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm. In addition, SPD detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify the third individual who was allegedly involved in the attempted robbery and homicide.
If you have information regarding this homicide case, the identity of the individuals involved, or the location of Terrell Walker, please contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Central Florida Crimeline by calling 1-800-423-TIPS(8477) or clicking here to submit an online tip. If you use Crimeline and your tip helps solve this homicide case, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
The Sanford Police Department is also actively investigating two shooting incidents that left three teens wounded, one critically, on Monday, April 29.
In addition, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident in Sanford that wounded 10 people, including an NFL player, shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 28.