A shooting that left one dead and four injured erupted Saturday at a Florida “ZombiCon” convention, sending enthusiasts dressed like zombies running for cover.
The attack came only minutes before the Fort Myers event was to end late on Saturday evening. Police quickly took control of the area, toting rifles and clearing streets as they launched their investigation.
“I heard four gunshots and saw the crowd 10 feet in front of me part and everyone turn and start running,” a zombie fan in attendance told NBC News.
“I was right here,” said Jill Stancel, the daughter of the owner of a barber shop near the shooting. “A mass of people ran screaming and trying to get in the shop.”
For help, police have turned to the public and participants of the annual convention that brings over 20,000 participants.
“There were a lot of witnesses down here, there were a lot of people taking pictures, videos with their cellphone,” Fort Myers Police Lt. Victor Medico told the News-Press. “Anything that could help with this investigation would be greatly appreciated.”
Four victims were injured during the melee. All were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They were all treated and released.
But the crime left a 20-year-old man from Miami dead. Expavious Tyrell Taylor, who went by his middle name, graduated from high school in nearby Clewiston and played football for both his high school and ASA College, a junior college in Miami.
The investigation continued through the weekend, but by Sunday evening, no suspect had been identified.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston, or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com.