VERO BEACH – The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said there have been two deadly shootings in less than a week that left two people dead.
The first shooting occurred on Wednesday, March 28th, when deputies responded to the 2400 block of 43rd Street to a shooting.
Marcel Peterson, 26, suffered a gunshot wound in the shooting and was driven to the Indian River Medical Center by friends. Detectives arrived and began processing the scene for evidence.
Peterson died of his gunshot wound at the hospital. Interviews with witnesses have led them to Nathaniel Lee, 29, as a person of interest in this case. Detectives believe this shooting was a result of an argument between the two men.
The second shooting occurred on Monday, April 2nd, when Sebastian Daily reported a shooting at Motel 6 in Vero Beach. Deputies responded to the location at 8800 20th Street and found a 44-year-old black male shot in the chest. He was airlifted to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds.
The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time, pending notification of his family.
Detectives are currently seeking person of interest Jordan Dawkins, 20, of Indian River County. Dawkins has lived in Sebastian and Vero Beach. Motives for this shooting incident have not yet been determined.
“In less than a week, we have experienced two homicides in our county. Our detectives are working to solve both of these cases and have identified two persons of interest. As with any case, we strongly encourage anyone who has information to come forward and assist our detectives in seeking justice for these victims. Next week, we recognize victims rights week, and tragically, we will add two more names to the list of victims who have lost their lives due to violence,” Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar stated.
Anyone with information on these cases is urged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477) or tcwatch.org. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.00.
Both Lee and Dawkins are considered persons of interest only at this time. Anyone with information on their whereabouts are encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crimestoppers or the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office at 772-978-6157.