Branden Newman, a 19-year-old African American man and former Atlantic High School student, was shot to death on July 18, 2017, in Delray Beach, Florida. The shooting happened in front of St. John Primitive Baptist Church at 615 NW 1st Street. Two other men with him suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals; Branden died at the scene.

Police described the killing as likely tied to a long-standing feud between two families in Delray Beach that has produced multiple violent incidents, including at least a dozen shootings since 2009 and the 2014 death of a 5-year-old girl. Delray Beach Police Chief Jeff Goldman said Branden’s murder was probably retaliatory and connected to the unsolved 2016 murder of 30-year-old Jarvis Collins. Investigators reported significant community cooperation but made no immediate arrests; officers increased patrols amid additional shootings that followed but did not cause injuries.

Anyone who knew Branden, the families involved, or who has information about the July 18, 2017 shooting is asked to come forward.