Authorities have released new and troubling details following a deadly shooting at Eisenhower Park that left a 15-year-old boy dead and two others critically injured. The teen has been identified as Quacere “Chase” Hagans, a freshman at Longwood High School, and investigators now say he was both a victim and a participant in the gunfire.
According to police, the shooting occurred Wednesday night at approximately 8:30 p.m. during a gathering at the park. Officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired and arrived to find a chaotic and dangerous scene. Investigators say an argument broke out among a group of individuals, which quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
Hagans was struck during the shooting and rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts by medical staff, he later died from his injuries. Two additional victims, ages 28 and 31, were also shot during the incident and remain hospitalized in critical condition as they continue to fight for their lives.
In a significant development, law enforcement officials confirmed that Hagans was in possession of a firearm and was among those who fired shots during the incident. This revelation has added complexity to the case, as investigators now work to determine each individual’s role in the violent encounter.
Police say several individuals have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation. Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene, and authorities are awaiting forensic analysis to establish who fired which weapons. Officials have indicated that additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
In a separate matter, a 17-year-old has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, though police have not confirmed a direct connection to the shooting. As detectives continue to piece together the timeline, the community remains shaken. Family members remember Hagans as a bright and lively teenager, while authorities stress that the investigation is still active and more details may emerge.