Leesburg, Florida Mourns Following Fatal Shooting of 20-Year-Old

Leesburg, Florida Mourns Following Fatal Shooting of 20-Year-Old

Leesburg, FL – A tragic act of gun violence rattled the tight-knit community of Leesburg on Friday evening, as 20-year-old Dontae D. Copeland was fatally shot around 7:00 p.m. on Tuskegee Street.
Police responded promptly to reports of gunfire in the area and discovered Copeland suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts and being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival apnews.com+9wftv.com+9insidelake.com+9.

🕵️‍♂️ Developments in Investigation

In a swift turn of events, investigators received a major breakthrough in the case. Kameryn Pickard, also 20 and from nearby Mount Dora, voluntarily came forward to law enforcement. He was brought in by his own father to the Leesburg Police Department, where he was arrested in relation to Copeland’s homicide wftv.com.

The Leesburg Police are actively collaborating with the State Attorney’s Office to determine the precise charges against Pickard. Official statements indicate that detectives are continuing to collect evidence, including surveillance footage, and are appealing to the public for any witnesses to come forward wftv.com.

😢 Community Response & Call for Justice

The sudden loss of Copeland, a young man with his whole life ahead of him, has brought a wave of heartbreak across Leesburg. Family members, classmates, and local residents have shared their grief, reflecting on his bright presence within the community.

Law enforcement is urging anyone who might have seen anything around Tuskegee Street last Friday evening—whether suspicious activity, vehicles, or individuals—to reach out. Calls can be made to the Leesburg Police Department at 352‑787‑2121, or anonymously through CrimeLine at 1‑800‑423‑TIPS (8477), with a potential cash reward available for tips aiding the investigation gunmemorial.org+4wftv.com+4insidelake.com+4.

📌 Next Steps & Community Healing

As investigators analyze forensic evidence and review available video footage, the community is left grieving and wanting answers. The coming days are expected to clarify the motive behind this senseless act and shed light on what led to Copeland’s untimely death.

In the aftermath, local leaders and grassroots organizations are making plans for vigils, memorial services, and outreach activities aimed at supporting Copeland’s grieving family and healing deeper wounds in Leesburg.

🔍 Ways You Can Help or Learn More

• Provide information: Anyone with relevant knowledge—be it eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, or suspicious behavior—should contact LPD or CrimeLine.

• Attend community gatherings: Memorials and vigils are likely being organized by churches, nonprofits, or neighborhood groups.

• Support healing efforts: Reach out to Leesburg-based community organizations working toward youth safety and gun violence prevention.