Jason W. Dillard, a 19-year-old from Vero Beach, Florida, was shot and killed on August 6, 2020, at the Madison Cay Apartments in Fort Pierce. The shooting occurred around 11:11 a.m. after Dillard was approached or confronted by two suspects; witnesses reported hearing five to seven gunshots. He was found near a pond behind the complex and taken to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute, where he was pronounced dead. Dillard had been shot multiple times and his black backpack was taken during the incident.

Fort Pierce police described one suspect as a dark-skinned Black man with a short afro, about 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, last seen in a dark or camouflage shirt. Details about the second suspect were not released. Investigators collected several shell casings and Dillard’s cell phone as evidence. The motive remains unclear, and police have not said whether the backpack theft was the cause. The investigation is active; anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Fary Feliu or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.

Neighbors reported another fatal shooting at Madison Cay in the months after Dillard’s death, and residents expressed safety concerns; police have not confirmed any link between the two events. If anyone knew Jason or saw activity at the complex that morning, please come forward with information.