Winter Garden police responded to a disturbance call just before midnight on August 19, 2026, at a residence on Bethune Avenue. Officers found Shariff Simmons, 49, lying on the ground outside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident details
According to the Winter Garden Police Department (WGPD), Simmons and other occupants of the house had been playing a card game when the shooting occurred. The exact sequence of events leading to the gunfire has not yet been released, and no suspect has been publicly identified.
Investigation ongoing
WGPD officers are actively interviewing all witnesses and collecting physical evidence from the property. The department has asked anyone with information to contact the police or submit a tip through Crimeline, a local crime‑stopping organization that offers cash rewards for leads that result in arrests or the recovery of stolen property.
Crimeline’s tip line can be reached at 800‑423‑8477, and tips may be submitted online. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for information that leads to a felony arrest or the recovery of stolen items, with all submissions handled anonymously.
Community response
The shooting has raised concerns among Winter Garden residents about safety in the neighborhood. Local faith leaders and community groups have expressed condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons and urged cooperation with law‑enforcement efforts.
Winter Garden’s city officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but the police department reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation and to keeping the public informed as new details become available.
What residents can do
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Winter Garden Police Department at (407) 123‑4567 or submit a tip through the Crimeline website. Prompt information can help investigators piece together what happened and bring any responsible parties to justice.
The case remains active, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
