By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford police investigators arrested Da’raveius Smith, 16, on a count of attempted homicide murder first-degree premeditated and three other major felonies in connection with the shooting that student an older student at Seminole High School to the hospital with three gunshot wounds.
Smith was being held without bail at the Seminole County Correctional Facility pending his first appearance Thursday before a judge.
Besides the attempted murder charge, Smith was also charged with possession of a weapon-firearm on school property, one count of firing a weapon or firearm discharge on School Property, and one count of disturbing the peace - Interference with school administration functions.
The victim’s family, however, identified him as Jhavon McIntyre, adding he is a football cornerback looking to play college ball, though they are concerned his injuries from the shooting may hurt his chances to compete. The family said McIntyre was recovering after doctors performed surgery on his wrist.
The victim’s family, however, identified him as Jhavon McIntyre (shown here with his mother, Chevon Dawkins), adding he is a football cornerback looking to play college ball, though they are concerned his injuries from the shooting may hurt his chances to compete. The family said McIntyre was recovering after doctors performed surgery on his wrist.
"Please keep my grandson Jhavon McIntyre in your prayers. He was shot 3 times at school today (Seminole). In surgery. Just waiting now," his grandmother wrote on social media.
Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, said classes at Seminole High School will proceed as usual Thursday, but that there will be counselors on campus to help students.
“There will be enhanced law enforcement presence on campus, along with mental health counselors to talk to students that are experiencing a trauma,” Beamon added.
Extra cops will be on campus the rest of the week, in addition to four already assigned to Seminole Couunty's largest high school with 4,026 students.
Seminole High School Principal Jordan Rodriquez reached out to parents in an email later in the day trying to strike a positive tone:
“Please forgive my delay in sending this message. For those who have become accustomed to the speed at which I like to share information as events occur, this is uncharacteristically late. Due to the events that transpired today, I was unable to sit down long enough to draft this. I would like to thank my administrative team, faculty, staff, and students for the poise and leadership they exhibited today. The events of today do not define our campus. The Nole Nation will grow closer and stronger. To all those who reached out today with messages of support, I can’t thank you enough.”
The school district sent a voicemail to parents following the shooting.
“Dear Seminole High School families, we’re currently in a code red lockdown due to an incident on or near the main campus,” the voicemail from the school said. “Students are safe and there is no current threat to the campus. Students will remain in lockdown until the situation is cleared from law enforcement. Parents, please do not come to the school at this time as law enforcement continues their active investigation. We will continue to update you once we have more information to share. Thank you.”
Previous-Related Coverage:
Breaking News: Sanford Cops: Student shot 3 times by fellow student with 9 mm handgun at Seminole High School today, but expected to survive; suspect in custody
About the Byline Writer: Henry Frederick is a member of the working press and publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched in 2008, that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando from Lake Mary, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed close to 150 award-winning bylines in print & online. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in 2019. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade. And Before that worked the same beat for The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary shows on Discovery ID, Reelz, and the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis. • Award-Winning Journalism: Florida Press Club recognizes Headline Surfer for nine stories in 2020 statewide competition. • Award-Winning Journalism of Henry Frederick.