Luther Ward Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Palatka, Florida, was killed in a shooting outside Vick’s Supper Club on US 17 and North 18th Street on September 3, 2022. The incident, which happened late on a Saturday night, began as an argument that escalated into gunfire. Another person was also killed, two people were critically injured, and a fifth person suffered severe injuries after being beaten with a blunt object.

Ward was a truck driver and a father. His mother, Bea-Trece DeLeon, said he had a good heart and did not cause trouble; the community has left flowers and balloons at the scene. Police have identified a suspect but have not released that person’s identity. The Palatka Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the state attorney’s homicide investigative team are investigating.

If anyone witnessed the shooting that night or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.