GIFFORD — In an argument that escalated into violence in front of the Four Brothers Grocery Store, a 23-year-old Gifford man was shot, but no one in the crowd or the neighborhood — including the victim – -would admit to seeing or hearing anything, so the Sheriff’s office is asking for citizen tips. Deputies were called to the scene at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday night to deal with a shooting at the 3400 block of 45th Street in Gifford. They arrived at 9:30 p.m. and found a man with a bullet wound in his upper right body and unwilling to identify himself. James Killings Jr. was eventually identified by his parents and transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. He is still hospitalized for the gunshot wound, but is in stable condition and, according to Sheriff’s office, will soon be interviewed by detectives investigating the case.”All the witnesses were uncooperative,” said Deputy Jeff Luther, who serves as Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer. “It is not known whether the shooting was gang- or drug-related, no drugs were found at the scene.”After the Four Brothers Grocery was processed for evidence, firefighters were called upon to wash down the crime scene with hoses at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.The IRSO is seeking information from anyone who might have witnessed the shooting and did not want to speak up at the time, asking them to call 569-6700 with any details. Anonymous tips can be called in to 1-800-273-TIPS and persons providing information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
