A mother is dead and three others — including the woman's two children and her father — are in critical condition after a Monday morning shooting in Sanford, police say.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil E. Smith described the shooting as a "domestic that went wrong."

  • Mother dead, 5 people hurt after shooting
  • 2 boys, ages, 7 and 8, among injured in Sanford
  • Shooter identified as 31-year-old Allen Cashe

Allen D. Cashe, 31, was taken into custody Monday morning and faces a slew of charges, including first-degree homicide, after he reportedly shot six people following what police are calling a domestic-related argument that escalated over three hours into a deadly shooting rampage.

The incident began at about 3:20 a.m. when Sanford Police officers were approached at a Wawa convenience store located at 2690 W. 25th St.

The reporting victim, 35-year-old Latina Herring, stated Cashe had the keys to her home and wouldn't return them. While speaking to Herring, Sanford Police received a 911 call from Cashe, who stated the victim had the keys to his vehicle.

The victim returned the keys to Cashe, and both people left the gas station separately, a report states.

About 20 minutes later, at 3:37 a.m., the Sanford Police Department received a 911 call reporting a battery on a female who was walking in the area of West 25th Street and Ridgewood Avenue. The caller stated they received the information from a third party.

Sanford officers weren't able to locate the victim in the area. However, they did receive an additional 911 call stating the subject had a gun.

Based on information given from the 911 caller, officers determined it was Herring and Cashe. Officers arrived at the home at 209 Hays Drive and found the two in a verbal argument in the front yard of the home, arguing over Cashe returning the woman's keys.

According to Sanford Police, officers searched Cashe and his vehicle for weapons, but nothing was found. The keys to the home were located inside the home, not on Cashe or in his vehicle, a report states.

A report states Cashe collected some of his clothing and was preparing to leave the area when Herring brought out a bag. She told officers at the scene that it contained more of the man's belongings, but Cashe refused to take the bag and left the scene.

Herring, according to police, asked officers to take the bag. Inside was a Glock 22 handgun and ammunition.

About three hours later at about 6:20 a.m., officers patrolling the area heard gunshots in the area of Hartwell Avenue and then observed a white vehicle driving erratically away from the area.

At 6:22 a.m., the Sanford Police Department began to receive 911 calls stating a shooting occurred at the home at 209 Hays Drive.

A male victim, identified as 60-year-old Bertis Gerard Herring Jr., was outside of the home yelling for help.

Five minutes later, officers arrived at the home and found Latina Herring inside the home. She was pronounced dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers then found two of the woman’s sons, ages 7 and 8, inside the home also suffering from apparently gunshot wounds.

An additional victim, Lazaro Paredesquelite, 43, was found on the ground near the baseball fields at Cedar Creek with apparent gunshot wounds.

Sanford Police officers began following the white vehicle at 6:28 a.m. leaving the area of the shooting and heading to Seminole Gardens Apartments. Cashe attempted to run away from the vehicle, but he was taken into custody. An AK-47 rifle was found on Cashe when he was taken into custody, police said.

Another victim, Rakeya Jackson, 18, arrived at Central Florida Regional Hospital at about 6:29 a.m. with apparent gunshot wounds. She was standing at her bus stop located on Cedar Creek Circle when Cashe reportedly shot her, police said. She attends Winter Springs High School.

The two sons were taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where they are listed in critical condition as of 4 p.m. Monday.

Their grandfather, Bertis Gerard Herring Jr., was transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of 4 p.m. Monday. Paredesquelite and Jackson were both taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital and are in stable condition.

"Understanding senseless and violent incidents such as this is never easy and will often never make sense," Sanford Police Chief Cecil E. Smith said in statement. "A mother has lost her life, and three others — including two young boys — remain fighting for their lives. Two others were shot as they started their day, including a high school student just waiting for her school bus to come. There are no words to describe this morning's scene. I am just proud my officers were able to take him off the streets before he could take any more lives."

Cashe is charged with one count of first-degree homicide, four counts of attempted first-degree premeditated homicide, one count of second-degree attempted homicide, one count of felon with a firearm and one count of violation of parole — felon with a firearm. He was taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Grief counselors will be at Seminole County schools

"I am saddened to hear of the domestic violence related shooting that took place in Sanford this morning. It appears that three of the victims attend Seminole County Schools. We are working with both the Sanford Police Department and Seminole County Sheriff's Department to determine the students' names and schools. Grief Counselors will be availabe at all affected schools' tomorrow. Our hearts go out to the families of these young and innocent children." — Walt Griffin, Ed.D., Superintendent, Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS)

Sanford mayor releases statement following shooting

Mayor Jeff Triplett said he is deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving our residents. Below is a full statement: 

"Domestic violence is a reality in society that doesn't distinguish itself among race, creed, location, color or class. The city of Sanford can rest assured its citizen are safe thanks to the quick apprehension of the suspect by the Sanford Police Department The city of Sanford sends our thoughts and prayers out to the families and those affected by this senseless act of violence."