A 16-year-old boy was killed and a man had to be flown to a trauma center after they were shot at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department's (VFD) annual carnival Friday night, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office said.
At 11 p.m. Friday, Sheriff's deputies, who were already in attendance at the carnival at 24801 Three Notch Road, immediately responded to gunshots they heard coming from the parking lot.
Authorities identified the teenage victim as Syncere Kovey Smith. He was found suffering from multiple gunshots wounds at the scene, and was taken to the hospital before dying from his injuries, the Sheriff’s office said.
A man of unknown age was flown to a trauma center after he was shot in the leg, authorities said.
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On Saturday, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announced they had arrested Devron Ny’Quez Murray, a 19-year-old from Lexington Park, at the scene.
Murray is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
After the shooting, deputies searched the area around the carnival and found a 9mm handgun, which is illegal for Murray to posses due to his age.
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“Numerous witnesses provided a description of the shooter who was located nearby in a matter of minutes at the Birdie’s gas station in Hollywood,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a release.
The initial investigation determined this is not a random act, and stems from "an ongoing dispute between two known rival groups of youth offenders,” the Sheriff's Office said.
The Hollywood VFD was holding its annual carnival, which supports volunteers from 7- 11 p.m. Friday evening. The event has games, rides, food and prizes according to the Hollywood VFD Facebook.
The carnival has been cancelled for Saturday and Sunday due to the incident, the Hollywood VFD said in a release.
"The incident that took place on Friday evening not only affected the members of our community, but our HVFD Members and their Families that were in attendance at the Carnival at the time of the incident," Hollywood VFD said.
In the release, the Hollywood VFD said the carnival has been a part of the fire department for generations and is a staple to the Hollywood Community. They said they "strive to provide a family-based, safe setting for all citizens to enjoy themselves." The carnival is the fire department's largest fundraiser.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County expressed their condolences and support for the victims of the shooting.
“To the victims' families, we express our sorrow and promise to stand with you in the coming days,” Commissioner President Randy Guy said. “To those who were at the carnival and witnessed the terrible events, our hearts go out to you.”
The Sheriff's Office has charged Murray with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and two counts of first-degree assault. He is being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information about the incident call St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008.
Stay with News4 for updates to this developing story.
