Orlando residents near the Stella West apartment complex along Silver Star Road were shaken Friday after a young child was shot inside an apartment and later died at a hospital, authorities said.
Orlando Police Department investigators responded to the complex shortly after 11:30 a.m., setting up crime scene tape and maintaining a visible presence outside the building for hours as they collected evidence and interviewed neighbors.
What police have said
The Orlando Police Department confirmed the child was shot and did not survive. Officials have not released the child’s name. Police have also not identified a suspect or disclosed how the shooting occurred.
"Got shot," a neighbor told reporters after banging on a nearby door to rouse help.
Neighbors, response and context
Residents described the victim as a youngster who was approaching his fifth birthday. A neighbor who witnessed the aftermath said the child was 4 and would have turned 5 next month.
Neighbors said the building houses families who look out for one another. One resident described the community as a small support network where people help each other, and called the shooting a tragedy.
- Location: Stella West apartment complex, off Silver Star Road, Orlando.
- Time reported: About 11:30 a.m. Friday.
- Victim: A 4-year-old child who died at a hospital.
- Investigation: Active; police have not named a suspect or released motive.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
Orlando police remained on scene into the evening. Investigators have appealed to anyone with information or video from the area around the time of the shooting to contact the department. No arrests or charges have been announced.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scene | Apartment building at Stella West complex |
| Time | About 11:30 a.m., Friday |
| Victim | 4-year-old child (will be 5 next month) |
| Police status | Active investigation; no suspect publicly identified |
The shooting adds to concerns about neighborhood safety among residents near the complex. Officials have not said whether this incident is related to other recent crimes in the area. The Orlando Police Department is leading the investigation and has not yet released additional details.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orlando Police Department’s non-emergency number or Crime Stoppers. The department also advised that information from witnesses and nearby surveillance video can help investigators piece together what happened.
This report will be updated as police release more information.
