10-Year-Old Boy and 16-Year-Old Teen Critically Wounded in Lauderhill Shooting on Northwest 43rd Terrace as Police Launch Major Investigation into Unprovoked Gunfire

Lauderhill, Florida — June 4, 2025

A quiet neighborhood in Lauderhill was thrown into chaos Monday evening when gunfire erupted near the 2040 block of Northwest 43rd Terrace, leaving two young boys — a 10-year-old and a 16-year-old — critically wounded. The brazen act of violence has sparked widespread outrage and a full-scale investigation by Lauderhill Police, who are urgently seeking answers as the community reels from the attack.

Victims Identified Only by Age as Investigation Prioritizes Juvenile Safety

The younger of the two victims, a 10-year-old boy, was found lying motionless in the middle of the street with devastating gunshot wounds to his lower back and leg. His injuries were so severe that emergency medical personnel immediately declared him a Pediatric Trauma Alert upon arrival. The boy was stabilized at the scene and transported by ambulance to a nearby pediatric trauma center under emergency protocol.

Just a short distance away, first responders located the second victim — a 16-year-old male — also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He, too, was designated as a Pediatric Trauma Alert due to the extent of his injuries and was rushed to the same trauma facility for urgent treatment. At the time of this report, both juveniles remain in critical condition, and their identities have not been released in accordance with juvenile privacy laws.

Lauderhill Police have confirmed that both victims are local residents, and preliminary findings suggest they were caught in a targeted or retaliatory shooting, though no official motive has been confirmed.

Timeline of the Shooting and Immediate Police Response

The shooting occurred shortly before 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 3. Residents along Northwest 43rd Terrace reported hearing a sudden series of rapid gunshots — some recalling as many as six to eight rounds — followed by the sound of children screaming. Multiple calls flooded 911 dispatchers within seconds.

Within minutes, Lauderhill Police units were on the scene, along with Lauderhill Fire Rescue and Broward County EMS. Officers quickly secured the area, diverting traffic and restricting pedestrian access as they assessed the scene and attempted to piece together what happened.

Paramedics focused on stabilizing the young victims while detectives began collecting shell casings, canvassing for witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby homes, doorbell cameras, and street-mounted video systems.

No Suspects in Custody as Investigators Scramble for Leads

As of Tuesday morning, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Lauderhill Police are treating the incident as an active investigation, with homicide and gang task force detectives working jointly to determine whether the attack was random, targeted, or related to any broader criminal activity in the area.

Police have not commented on whether either victim was the intended target or an innocent bystander caught in crossfire. However, due to the age of the 10-year-old, many in the community are demanding swift justice and transparency.

“We will not tolerate this kind of senseless violence in our neighborhoods,” said Lauderhill Police Chief Constance Simmons during a late-night media briefing. “Our detectives are working around the clock to find out who did this and why. We urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward immediately.”

Community in Shock, Residents Describe Scene of Panic and Horror

Residents of the 2040 block of Northwest 43rd Terrace describe a harrowing scene in the moments following the gunfire. One neighbor, who requested anonymity, said she ran outside after hearing the shots and found the 10-year-old lying face-down in the street, unresponsive.

“I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. He was just a kid. Someone’s baby,” she said, holding back tears. “He wasn’t moving. There was so much blood. I just kept praying he would breathe.”

Another resident, 31-year-old Marlon Jeffers, said his own teenage son had just come inside moments before the shooting. “If he had stayed outside two more minutes, who knows what would’ve happened? I’m thankful, but my heart breaks for those two boys.”

Police Requesting Video Footage and Witness Testimony

Detectives are now requesting that any residents or businesses in the area check their surveillance footage between 6:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Monday, as it could contain critical information — including footage of suspects fleeing on foot or in a vehicle. Police are particularly interested in any suspicious persons or vehicles seen circling the area prior to the shooting.

Additionally, investigators are urging witnesses who may have seen the incident unfold or have knowledge of events leading up to it to step forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or online through the department’s tip portal.

“We believe someone knows something,” said Chief Simmons. “Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a classmate — someone out there has information that could help bring justice to these young victims.”

Local Leaders and Clergy Call for Calm and Community Support

In the wake of the shooting, city officials and local faith leaders have called for unity and resilience. A candlelight vigil is being organized for Wednesday evening at a local park less than a mile from the scene, where community members will gather to pray for the victims and speak out against the rising tide of gun violence.

“We are heartbroken, but we are not hopeless,” said Rev. Darnell Hayes of Lauderhill First Baptist Church. “We must come together as a city, protect our children, and say with one voice that this violence must stop.”

City Commissioner Elisa Herrera echoed those sentiments during a press briefing Tuesday morning. “This is not just a police matter — this is a community matter. We owe it to those two boys and their families to speak out, to step up, and to support one another.”

Parents Urged to Talk to Their Children About Safety and Violence

Lauderhill school officials, though currently on summer break, have also spoken out in the aftermath of the shooting. The Broward County School District is preparing to send grief counselors to local schools and community centers to offer support to students who may be traumatized by the event.

“We encourage parents to speak with their children about what happened in a calm and reassuring way,” said District Superintendent Dr. Alana Reece. “Many young people are scared and confused right now, and it’s important they know that adults are here to protect them and seek justice for what happened.”

Ongoing Developments

At the time of publication, both the 10-year-old and the 16-year-old remain hospitalized in critical condition. Their families have requested privacy but are reportedly cooperating with investigators. No new updates have been provided regarding their prognosis.

Lauderhill Police have pledged to provide updates as they become available and plan to hold a press conference once more details are confirmed.

Key Facts So Far:

• A 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were both critically injured in a shooting Monday evening.
• The shooting occurred around 6:45 p.m. in the 2040 block of NW 43rd Terrace, Lauderhill, FL.
• Both victims were transported to the hospital as Pediatric Trauma Alerts.
• No suspects have been arrested or publicly identified.
• The motive remains unknown.
• Police are urging witnesses and anyone with video footage to come forward.

For any information related to the case, contact:
Lauderhill Police Department Tip Line: (954) 497-4700
Broward County Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): (954) 493-TIPS

Stay with us for ongoing coverage as this developing story continues.