Reginald Merisma, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, died on June 7, 2026, after a late-night shooting in Lauderhill. Police and Lauderhill Fire Rescue were called to the 900 block of Northwest 34th Terrace shortly after 10 p.m., where officers found Merisma lying in a residential driveway with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. No firearm was found with Merisma.

Investigators say the case centered on 35-year-old Anthony Johnson, who called 911 that night to report someone was threatening people. While the call was still open, dispatchers reportedly heard loud banging and Johnson allegedly told them he had shot someone. Police say surveillance video shows Johnson arriving in a car, exiting the passenger side, moving quickly toward Merisma, who is described as having his hands raised; Johnson allegedly fired, missed, and then closed distance and shot Merisma once in the head. Officers said all parties at the scene were accounted for and several witnesses have not cooperated.

Johnson was arrested the next day and charged with first-degree premeditated murder; bond was denied at his initial court appearance. Family members argued the shooting could have been prevented and suggested prior threats and bullying, while police point to the 911 call, the video, the absence of a weapon on Merisma, and an alleged second shot after Merisma tried to hide. The court process is pending.

Did anyone in Lauderhill or Fort Lauderdale see the incident or know the relationship between Merisma and Johnson?