When police officers responded to a report of a shooting in the Sanford, Fla. area, little did they know, the terrifying incident they’d be investigating was broadcast to an audience on social media.
On the evening of Nov. 5, Sanford police found Lauren Ashley Martin, 34, lying in the road, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to the local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Investigators discovered later the horrid scene that preceded the shooting.
Martin’s family told WESH ahead of the incident, Martin was in a disagreement with 35-year-old Savon Tyler over photos she took of her. The family said the spout began on social media and an argument sparked inside the comment section “spiraled out of control.” Police said Martin then drove to Tyler’s home amidst to handle the matter in person.
Police said when Tyler saw Martin arrive at her home, she armed herself with a children’s baseball bat and a 9-millimeter sky handgun. The two engaged in a verbal altercation before fighting each other in a “mutual-combat style fist fight,” police said. According to the Miami Herald, Tyler initially left the gun on the ground and led the fight with the bat, but the tables turned once Martin gained control of it.
At that moment is when police said Tyler picked up the firearm and shot Martin multiple times. The horrifying scene was broadcasted to live-stream by another woman, Lakevia Pringle, who police said instigated the altercation further leading to the shooting.
Homicide warrants were issued for both Pringle and Tyler. Tyler was slammed with a first-degree homicide charge. Pringle faces one count of first-degree premeditated homicide.
“Today, a family is mourning the loss of a loved one, because someone chose to resolve a disagreement with violence. What started the argument between these two won’t be remembered, but the loss of Lauren will forever be with her family and friends. There are choices other than violence,” said Sanford Chief Cecil Smith.