Maebelle Cooper Laster, a 70-year-old African American woman, was shot and killed on December 24, 2020, in the front yard of her daughter’s home on Amos Avenue in Lakeland, Florida. The shooting occurred during a violent confrontation that began earlier that day after her grandson was robbed at gunpoint in Simpson Park by Alfurquan O’Neal, 19, and another person. The conflict moved to the family’s home where multiple people were shot; Maebelle died and her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were wounded and survived.

O’Neal was charged with robbery related to the earlier encounter, but no arrests have been announced in connection with Maebelle’s murder. Police released security camera footage of two men fleeing the scene and are asking the public for help identifying them. The investigation remains active as family and community members press for justice.

If anyone has information about the two men seen on the footage or the events that night, please come forward to assist the investigation.