The Lakeland Police Department will hold a a press conference announcing progress related to the investigation into a December 2020 shooting that left at least three Lakeland residents wounded and one deceased. On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Lakeland Police Department, senior officials from the Lakeland Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives and U.S. Attorney’s Office will update the public on the ongoing investigation.

According to the press release a suspect has been arrested in connection to the shooting, but it’s unclear if Taqiy Lewis (27, Lakeland) was the actual shooter. Lewis is currently in state prison after pleading guilty to trafficking drugs.

The press conference will take place at 10am tomorrow.

Here are the shooting details initially released by Lakeland Police:

“On Thursday, December 24, 2020, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Amos Avenue in reference to a reported shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found four victims, all with gunshot wounds. The victims, a 70-year-old female, 43-year-old male, 39-year-old female, and a 13-year-old female, were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Shortly after arrival at Lakeland Regional Health, the 70-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased by medical professionals. The other victims, who are all related, had varying levels of conditions upon arrival but are expected to survive their injuries.  

Officers were also notified that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries were sustained during the shooting incident and are not believed to be life-threatening.

Prior to the shooting, a 15-year-old male, who is also related to the victims, was involved in an altercation with other individuals at a separate location, which carried over to the residence at Amos Avenue. At some point, shots were fired by both a resident of the home and by the individuals who arrived at the residence related to the earlier conflict. Detectives, working in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, are continuing to conduct interviews and follow-up on leads related to all parties involved.”

LAKELAND, FL (February 5, 2025) – On February 4, 2025, at 5:58 p.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to a mobile home park in the 2900 block of New Tampa Highway for a shooting that just occurred. Upon arriving, officers learned Joseph Gray (age 49, of Lakeland) had just been shot by his brother-in-law, Jermaine Harrison (age 40, of Lakeland) inside of his residence. Following the shooting, Harrison was seen leaving the residence and entering a nearby residence on the same property. Gray was transported to Lakeland Regional Health via police vehicle for treatment by medical professionals but sadly succumbed to his injuries a short time later. 

The Victim’s wife, who is also the Suspect’s sister told officers that Harrison had been exhibiting erratic behavior in the last week and believed he was under the influence of illegal narcotics. She conveyed Harrison came into the residence around 4:00 p.m. and asked for mail which he was anticipating. While she was searching for the mailbox key, Harrison pointed a gun in her direction then shot a laundry hamper next to her. Harrison then pointed the firearm at Gray and shot him several times in the upper torso.

The adjacent residence into which Harrison fled was occupied by an adult female. Harrison pushed the female inside the residence and threatened her with a handgun if she reported him. She advised that Harrison was in possession of two firearms. Upon the approach of law enforcement, Harrison became distracted and the Victim was able to escape to safety. 

Responding officers immediately secured the scene and surrounded the residence where Harrison was hiding. He was taken into custody without further incident at 1:27 a.m. 

Harrison was charged with First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, Armed Kidnapping and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jaime Smith at [email protected].