A teenager from Central Florida has been convicted of murder following a violent gunfight in Port Orange. McKenzy Nazien, 19, was found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder after a week-long trial. This tragic event has raised concerns over the growing problem of young people involved in violent crime.
The shooting took place on the evening of September 1, 2022, in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Port Orange, Florida. Nazien and the victim, who was 22 years old, had been arguing. What started as a simple argument quickly escalated into a deadly situation as both sides drew weapons, and soon, two groups of armed men were involved in a gunfight.
According to witnesses, Nazien shot the victim multiple times in the back, killing him at the scene. As the gunfire continued, Nazien chased another man, who was a witness, and shot at him as the man fled the area. A total of 48 bullet casings were found at the scene, and multiple videos were collected by investigators.
The case was initially investigated by the Port Orange Police Department, with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies, including the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that Nazien was also involved in other crimes before being arrested.
In November 2022, deputies from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle Nazien was in. When the vehicle came to a stop, Nazien and two other men ran into a nearby neighborhood, but Nazien was quickly caught and arrested. During an interview, Nazien lied about his role in the shooting, but after further investigation, he was extradited to Volusia County Jail, where he faced the charges.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza condemned the actions of Nazien, saying, “The defendant shot our victim multiple times, and at least forty rounds were expended during this shooting episode. It is nothing short of miraculous that more folks weren’t shot or killed. This case is another example of the disturbing trend of teenagers engaging in deadly violence.”
The trial ended with a conviction on both first-degree murder and attempted murder charges. The judge, The Honorable Kathleen McNeilly, will announce the sentencing at a later date. Nazien now faces the possibility of spending many years behind bars.
Investigation and Arrest
The shooting was investigated by several law enforcement agencies, including the Port Orange Police Department and Daytona Beach Police Department. Detectives pieced together evidence from the crime scene, including bullet casings and witness testimonies. The investigation showed that Nazien was not just an innocent bystander but the key person responsible for the violent events that unfolded that night.
After being arrested in Hendry County for resisting arrest, Nazien was taken into custody, and authorities began questioning him about his involvement in the shooting. Despite initially lying about the incident, Nazien’s lies were exposed as the investigation continued. He was later transferred to Volusia County Jail to face murder charges.
Impact of Teen Violence
This tragic incident highlights the serious issue of gun violence involving young people. Many local leaders have expressed concern about the rising number of teenagers committing violent crimes. State Attorney Larizza’s comments reflect the growing alarm over how young people are becoming involved in dangerous activities like shootings.
This case also emphasizes the importance of addressing the factors contributing to youth violence, such as a lack of positive outlets, family support, and early intervention programs. Lawmakers and community leaders continue to look for ways to reduce the influence of gangs and prevent young people from making deadly choices.
Looking Ahead
As the case moves toward sentencing, many are wondering about the future consequences for Nazien and how this case could influence future youth violence in Central Florida. It’s clear that while Nazien’s actions on that night were extreme, he is not the only young person facing such charges. This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for all communities to take action and invest in youth programs that promote safety and well-being.
In the coming weeks, more details are expected to emerge as the final sentencing is announced. For now, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the need for better solutions to keep young people safe.
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