One local pastor is crying out for justice as another victim died because of gun violence. 19-year-old Raniyah Gandy was shot to death early Wednesday morning.
Devastating News
In a report with WFTV, Pastor James Morris of Carter Tabernacle Church said the victim's family was close to the church. He told the news outlet that they were devastated when they heard the news that the teen was killed.
Morris shared that the grandmother texted him the tragic news. When he called her, he could feel her pain. The pastor added that the older woman felt broken and that his heart broke for her.
'Beautiful Young Woman'
He told the news outlet that the 19-year-old was a beautiful young woman who was working her way into the world. The pastor said that Gandy was in her second year at A&M University in Florida.
Morris shared that Gandy was doing what she could to make her family proud. The pastor added that the young woman was working hard to give her loved ones a better life.
He told the news outlet that he was still in disbelief over Gandy's violent death. Morris said the family did not know anyone who would want to do the young woman harm.
The pastor added that the family was still shaken by the death and is still trying to find answers.
According to a neighbor, the young woman was with another companion during the attack. Dozens of shell casings were found beside the vehicle.
Coming Together as Church
In a report with Click Orlando, authorities said they responded to the call at The Park at Highgate on North Powers Drive near Silver Star Road. The incident happened early Wednesday morning.
The deputies found the 19-year-old in critical condition inside her vehicle. A medical team rushed her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead.
Officials believe that the suspects may have fired the shots from another vehicle.
The family posted a $5,000 reward for those who could provide any leads for Gandy's killers.
Several faith leaders in the community mourned her death. They gathered together to pray and advocate for a safer community.
One of the pastors who lamented the tragedy is R. Keith Hicks. He is the pastor of Orlando West Ministries.
His church is located across from the apartments. Hicks told the news outlet that his "heart was sad" for the family.
He said that this tragedy was unexpected, and it left families devastated over the loss.
Hicks admitted that it was never easy to console a family over a loved one's unexpected and tragic death.
He was thankful that they belonged to a community where people comforted each other. The pastor pointed out that this support was essential for the family during this tragic time.
Hicks wanted the family to know that the church was always there for them to help in any way they could.
Morris is hoping people would do the right thing and step up to provide much-needed information on the young woman's death.
He said that they needed to keep the killers off the streets to ensure everyone's safety.
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